Search results for "Walk up attic" in Home Design Ideas

This closet area was part of an expanded bonus space above an existing garage area adjoining to the master suite. The client wanted to create a boutique like closet area to easily display her appealing collection of shoes and hand bags. An up-lit makeup counter and wrapping paper station were added to make it more convenient for the client to get ready in the space and take advantage of the large counter surface for wrapping gifts.
A frosty white Melamine color with charcoal glazed raised panel doors and large crown moulding were used to complement the existing wall color and millwork. The make-up area consisted of a light box tray with a frosted glass insert routed into the countertop, in counter lighting, large framed viewing mirror, side make-up storage drawers, blow dryer holster, and upper storage cabinets with LED down lighting. Also added to further enhance the closet space were his and her jewelry inserts, a space saving fold down ironing board, and color coordinated closet rods and accessories.
Bill Curran-Owner and Designer for Closet Organizing Systems

"I want people to say 'Wow!' when they walk in to my house" This was our directive for this bachelor's newly purchased home. We accomplished the mission by drafting plans for a significant remodel which included removing walls and columns, opening up the spaces between rooms to create better flow, then adding custom furnishings and original art for a customized unique Wow factor! His Christmas party proved we had succeeded as each person 'wowed!' the spaces! Even more meaningful to us, as Designers, was watching everyone converse in the sitting area, dining room, living room, and around the grand island (12'-6" grand to be exact!) and genuinely enjoy all the fabulous, yet comfortable spaces.

This room is immediately as you walked into the residence with double doors into the 'den'. We wanted to make a 'wow factor' and a showstopper with this room. We thought a room that you could cozy up and read a good novel while sipping on a martini from the bar cart was a fun concept and the desk for light work. The color is what really makes the statement with the loveseat snuggled in between the sconces and the built in. Can't you see yourself in this cozy setting?
Find the right local pro for your project

Bathroom - large contemporary master black tile and travertine tile marble floor, gray floor and double-sink bathroom idea in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”.
This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them.
“The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala.
The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below.
The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.”
The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Carlos Vergara
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Best of Houzz 2016 Dining Room Design winner. The custom built-in banquette allowed the breakfast nook to seat 5 people comfortably and not encroach on the walking space. Custom dark wood cabinet houses breakfast dishes. Wood and marble look alike porcelain tiles set on the diagonal add interest to a large floor space. The coffers on the ceiling create the same interest on the ceiling. Notice the 3 elephants holding up the table top.
Michael Jacobs Photography

Large trendy master black tile and travertine tile marble floor, gray floor and double-sink bathroom photo in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity

Reverse Shed Eichler
This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

https://bestbath.com/products/showers/
walk in shower
walk in showers
walk-in showers
walk-in shower
roll-in shower
handicap showers
ada shower
handicap shower
barrier free shower
barrier free showers
commercial bathroom
accessible shower
accessible showers
ada shower stall
barrier free shower pan
barrier free shower pans
wheelchair shower
ada bathtub
ada roll in shower
roll-in showers
ada compliant shower
commercial shower
rollin shower
barrier free shower stall
barrier free shower stalls
wheel chair shower
ada shower base
commercial shower stalls
barrier free bathroom
barrier free bathrooms
ada compliant shower stall
accessible roll in shower
ada shower threshold
ada shower units
wheelchair accessible shower threshold
wheelchair access shower
ada accessible shower
ada shower enclosures
innovative bathroom design
barrier free shower floor
bathroom dealer
bathroom dealers
ada compliant shower enclosures
ada tubs and showers
grab bars
best bath systems grab bars
l shaped grab bar
best bath systems grab bars
shower grab bars
u shaped shower grab bar
best bath systems grab bars
best bath systems grab bars
cheap grab bars
u shaped grab bar
best grab bars
grab bar distributors
bathtub grab bars
ada grab bar mounting height
designer grab bars
great grabz grab bars
clear acrylic grab bar
mounting grab bars in fiberglass shower
commercial bathroom grab bars
elevator grab bars
tub grab bar
ada shower grab bar height
ada requirements for shower grab bars
grab bar com
bariatric grab bar requirements
tub with grab bars
ada restroom grab bar height
bathroom grab bar installation height
bariatric grab bars
shower grab bar height
shower grab bar replacement
bathtub grab bar replacement
ada compliant grab bar height
moen grab bars showers
ada grab bar height from floor
commercial grab bars
how high should a grab bar be in a shower
grab bars for shower and bath
bathroom grab bars canada
almond grab bars
grab bar dimensions
grab bar towel bar combo
safety first grab bar installation instructions
ada toilet grab bars
ada bathroom grab bar height
grab bar locations
how to install grab bars in drywall
stylish grab bars
corner grab bar
handicap bathroom grab bar height
ada toilet grab bar height
handicap grab bar code
wood safety grab bars
grab bars in tub
self adhesive grab bars
revit grab bars
designer grab bars bath
ada guidelines for tub grab bars
best shower grab bars
shower stall grab bars
grab bar placement
where to place grab bars in shower
install grab bar in fiberglass shower
ada grab bar requirements 2017
ada grab bar code
grab bars for tubs & showers
shower grab bars placement
residential grab bars
grab bars for door entry
grab bar towel holder
ada grab bar height at toilet
grab bar guys
safety grab bars for tubs
decorative shower grab bars
custom grab bars
designer grab bars for bathrooms
grab bar soap dish
towel bar grab bar combo
over the tub grab bar
floor mounted ada grab bars
anti ligature grab bars
bathtub grab bar height
ada shower grab bars
types of grab bars
grab bar sizes
fiberglass grab bar anchoring system kit
safety first grab bar
standard shower grab bar height
ada compliant shower grab bars
ada bathroom grab bar height requirements
grab bar towel rack combo
how to install grab bars in fiberglass shower
tub grab bar height
grab bar placement in walk in shower
grab bars for tubs and showers
grab bar height
bathtub grab bar installation guidelines
grab bars for fiberglass tubs
bathroom grab bar code
flip up grab bars ada compliant
replacement grab bar for fiberglass shower
grab bar diameter
clear grab bars
designer grab bars for showers
ada roll in shower grab bars
handicap grab bars for fiberglass showers

Property Marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Style meets substance in this circa 1875 townhouse. Completely renovated & restored in a contemporary, yet warm & welcoming style, 295 Pavonia Avenue is the ultimate home for the 21st century urban family. Set on a 25’ wide lot, this Hamilton Park home offers an ideal open floor plan, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a private outdoor oasis.
With 3,600 sq. ft. of living space, the owner’s triplex showcases a unique formal dining rotunda, living room with exposed brick and built in entertainment center, powder room and office nook. The upper bedroom floors feature a master suite separate sitting area, large walk-in closet with custom built-ins, a dream bath with an over-sized soaking tub, double vanity, separate shower and water closet. The top floor is its own private retreat complete with bedroom, full bath & large sitting room.
Tailor-made for the cooking enthusiast, the chef’s kitchen features a top notch appliance package with 48” Viking refrigerator, Kuppersbusch induction cooktop, built-in double wall oven and Bosch dishwasher, Dacor espresso maker, Viking wine refrigerator, Italian Zebra marble counters and walk-in pantry. A breakfast nook leads out to the large deck and yard for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining.
Other building features include; a handsome façade with distinctive mansard roof, hardwood floors, Lutron lighting, home automation/sound system, 2 zone CAC, 3 zone radiant heat & tremendous storage, A garden level office and large one bedroom apartment with private entrances, round out this spectacular home.

Powder Room furnished imply with floating white vanity, modern pendants, and white oak mirror wall with horizontal mirror - Architecture/Interiors/Renderings/Photography: HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles - Construction Manager: WERK | Building Modern

What started solely as a master bath project soon spiraled into working with the homeowners to redefine and remodel most of this split level home. Opening things up in the kitchen not only helped with the flow of things, but you get a wonderful view of each room when you walk in the front door. These cabinets are made of book matched walnut, meaning the grain of the tree lines up from door to door. Photography by LOMA Studios, lomastudios.com

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years.
The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement.
This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them.
The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas.
The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals.
The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access.
The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator.
The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding.
The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet.
We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look.
The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows.
A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible.
The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade.
A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas.
The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home.
By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside.
The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity.
The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids.
Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated.
Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”.
This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them.
“The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala.
The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below.
The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.”
The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Carlos Vergara
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Graced with an abundance of windows, Alexandria’s modern meets traditional exterior boasts stylish stone accents, interesting rooflines and a pillared and welcoming porch. You’ll never lack for style or sunshine in this inspired transitional design perfect for a growing family. The timeless design merges a variety of classic architectural influences and fits perfectly into any neighborhood. A farmhouse feel can be seen in the exterior’s peaked roof, while the shingled accents reference the ever-popular Craftsman style. Inside, an abundance of windows flood the open-plan interior with light. Beyond the custom front door with its eye-catching sidelights is 2,350 square feet of living space on the first level, with a central foyer leading to a large kitchen and walk-in pantry, adjacent 14 by 16-foot hearth room and spacious living room with a natural fireplace. Also featured is a dining area and convenient home management center perfect for keeping your family life organized on the floor plan’s right side and a private study on the left, which lead to two patios, one covered and one open-air. Private spaces are concentrated on the 1,800-square-foot second level, where a large master suite invites relaxation and rest and includes built-ins, a master bath with double vanity and two walk-in closets. Also upstairs is a loft, laundry and two additional family bedrooms as well as 400 square foot of attic storage. The approximately 1,500-square-foot lower level features a 15 by 24-foot family room, a guest bedroom, billiards and refreshment area, and a 15 by 26-foot home theater perfect for movie nights.
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Reverse Shed Eichler
This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond.
The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage.
Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature.
Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards.
The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower.
The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design.
The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Make-up counter, in open position. Provides area to store make-up and accessories. Mirror on back side of hinged counter gives a proper view when seated. Easy way to hide the mess.

AFTER: BAR | We completely redesigned the bar structure by opening it up. It was previously closed on one side so we wanted to be able to walk through to the living room. We created a floor to ceiling split vase accent wall behind the bar to give the room some texture and break up the white walls. We carried over the tile from the entry to the bar and used hand stamped carrara marble to line the front of the bar and used a smoky blue glass for the bar counters. | Renovations + Design by Blackband Design | Photography by Tessa Neustadt

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape.
The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area.
Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating.
The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.
10
