2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, ENTIRE HOUSE UNDER $250,000 After 20 years of living in this split foyer home the owners were ready to do a complete renovation. Because the house was built in late 70’s, windows were small, partition walls separated one room from another and natural light was limited. The kitchen, in particular, was walled off from the rest of the home and had a gold vinyl floor and dark, worn cabinetry. Finally, the lady of the house loves to play her grand piano for company so a conservatory was a must have. Step one is a 12’ x 33’ angular side addition that is open to both the living and dining rooms. Surrounded with tall windows and touting a vaulted ceiling with embedded lights, the area is now home to a grand piano. The back portion of the addition has been converted to a long dining room with a beautiful chandelier. Pocketed French doors connect it to the old dining room, which now transitions to a sunroom addition with a vaulted ceiling and large transom windows. A new French door leads onto a new patio and the backyard. The wall between kitchen and old dining room was removed making it possible to add breakfast area. A large triple window was installed over the sink bringing lots of natural light. A 60” Viking stove with a custom wood mantel is the focal point of the space. A large 48” built-in refrigerator and floor-to-ceiling pantries take up another wall. Burgundy finished cherry wood cabinetry topped with exotic marble countertops is used around the room’s perimeter and forms a large central island with prep sink. The design has added significant storage and workspace. The homeowners are more willing than ever to cook, entertain and have friends gather around the piano.

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

'Feuerland' achillea is striking against 'Summer Beauty' allium. Westhauser Photography
Photo of a traditional full sun landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

When a 7 year old Brooklyn hip-kid is also an animal lover, you get this woodland boy's room, designed to grow and maximize storage. This small kid's bedroom features a storage bed, wall shelves, a spacious desk hutch, and a storage ottoman to accommodate ample toys and books, as well as a custom designed closet to suit a growing child's needs. Hipster Animals removable wallpaper is fun for a 7 year old, but still cheeky and cool enough for a teen. And while woodland animals abound, they are balanced by mature decor elements like neutral colors, dark blues, boyish plaid, and chic wool and leather textures meant to grow with child. This room is one of our favorite small space designs - it's fun, personalized, and makes the space look bigger--while also providing storage and function. Photo credits: Erin Coren, ASID, Curated Nest Interiors

This week’s Home of the week is by Smith Custom Building and Design. This featured home is built on a 5 acre lot in the new cedar tree filled community also by Smith Custom Building and Design. This home has approximately 8,636 square feet of living space and 13,837 total. This house consists of five bedroom, six bathrooms and one-half bath. It also has an oversized kitchen with a butler's pantry, a game room, media room, library, poker room, wine cellar, office and guest quarters with their own living room and kitchen. The home has a 2,400 square foot back porch that wraps around and gives each room its own back porch space accessible by their custom double doors. This home also features a six-car garage. This home has been individually designed with the client's lifestyle in mind. Entering the modern farmhouse-style home, you are met by the grand formal dining room with a wine cellar big enough to hold all of your favorite wines. The library included floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The home has high ceilings throughout with custom trim work and each room has its own unique detail. You will find custom craft cabinets throughout with beautiful high end counter tops, a cast stone fireplace and cathedral-style groin vaulted ceilings down the primary wing. The owner of this unique custom home is willing to allow Smith Custom Building and Design to have future clients see the attention to detail and grand work of their custom home. If you are interested in touring this house, please schedule an appointment through our website, http://www.SmithCustomLLC.com or contact us at the number below. Smith Custom Building and Design gives you the option to sit down with the in-house Architect to design your dream house customized to the lifestyle you crave. Creating a one-of-a-kind custom home that meets your every need and want. These homes can be built on the customer's lots or on a lot Smith Custom Building and Design provides. Smith Custom Building and Design builds custom homes throughout the DFW and the surrounding areas with most of their homes being within 45 minutes of their office in Rockwall, Tx. You can find out more about Smith Custom Building and Design by visiting their website at www.SmithCustomLLC.com or by going to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SmithCustomBuildingAndDesign/. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Smith Custom Building and Design at 903-229-1025. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

JUST SOLD: $600,000 short sale within walking distance of Siesta Key Beach This 5 bedroom, 3 bath home within minutes from the beautiful Siesta Key Beach just closed at the price of $600,000. This was a short sale transaction, which presented some typical challenges along the way, but closed with the satisfaction of all parties involved. A Short Sale transaction means that this is a sale for less than what is owed on the home. The bank must approve the seller to sell this way, as they have to provide evidence that they cannot pay off the note and not all of these transactions are approved. Once a contract is submitted, it typically takes an average of 3-6 months from contract to closing but they vary greatly. The majority of short-sales that Shayla has handled have fallen into the 3-6 month category with many these days closing in 90 days! Both Buyers and Sellers face difficult and unique problems when dealing with a short-sale. As long as each party is educated by their agents and know what pitfalls and hurdles could come their way, the process isn't as painful as it could be. Unfortunately there are no set guidelines that fit every transaction. You should always expect delays with a short sale and having a professional agent to guide you is crucial. There are different reasons why the transaction may be delayed. Some of the most common are: the buyer not wanting to wait for a reply from the lienholder; the seller not wanting to move out or in denial that the have to sell their home this way; paperwork issues; loan delays; etc. If you are considering entering a short sale transaction as a buyer, you should know that just because you offer full price does not ensure acceptance by the bank. They can counter any of the terms presented in the initial contract that is signed by both the buyer and seller. With the changes in the local market, lenders are looking at prices closer to market value whereas during the Recession, they were willing to accept lower offers. These are changes an experienced realtor is aware of and will consider when advising you on a short sale transaction! In close, despite it's name, a "short sale" is NEVER short. They should deem them the "long sale." So working with a seasoned Realtor who is an expert in the distressed property transactions will save you a lot of grey hairs and stress along the way!

Example of a transitional second story cable railing deck design in Denver with no cover

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This 8' long work space is 3' deep and 3' high. This makes it the perfect place for almost any project, whether you prefer to sit or stand. The drawer units were set recessed 4" from the front of the top so the owner could feel like she could get as close to what she is working on as possible. Slat wall under the upper cabinet keeps all those small hand tools organized and within easy reach.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

PEACOCK FANTASY - Custom Designed Peacock Wall Mural in brilliant colors. Notice how it has just the right amount of color | Have a custom mosaic idea? We can help, with our brilliant Italian-trained mosaicists and easy-to-install tiled masterpieces. Worldwide shipping available on the complete range of quality handcrafted marble & glass mosaic products. For inquires and more info, contact us: http://mecartworks.com

HDBros Adding drama and the feel of a waterfall is an oversized 23-inch square rain head in the ceiling. The clients wanted a unique and spa-like master bath retreat to complement their already beautiful downtown loft. They wanted design solutions and attention to detail that would help distinguish their duplex apartment as a one-of-a-kind space tailored to their specific needs. The existing master bath did not have the sleek contemporary look they prefer, and the shower was too small. We enlarged the shower by removing a tub in an adjacent hall bath. The clients were willing to change the full hall bath into a powder room as they already had two full baths on the lower level. A simple palette of white, gray, and black enhances the contemporary design. We removed the wall between the master and hall bath, removed the hall bath tub, and built a new wall. We had to install all new plumbing rough-ins for the new fixtures. The new shower is 7-feet 9-inches by 4-feet -- enlarged from the original 4-foot square – with a linear drain in the floor. • The owners selected a river rock floor to provide acupressure and an organic touch to the modern room. • The black back wall has a large niche set with the same contrasting white tile as the side walls. The niche is outlined with metal trim. The clients wanted two benches. Our crew mounted stainless steel L-brackets on the side walls. Our countertop fabricator routed the underside of the engineered quartz benches so the brackets sit flush. The clients also wanted a steam shower, so the glass doors span from the base to the tiled ceiling. We angled the shower ceiling such that the condensation drips would float back to the rear wall instead of straight down. Also set in the walls are waterproof blue-tooth enabled speakers. The clients were inspired by a photo of a countertop with dual ramp sinks. However, there were no references or design information. Our team stepped up to the challenge and created a detailed shop drawings with consultations between our designer, stone fabricator, and in-house plumber. A concealed tank/wall hung toilet fits the clean design lines. We installed the tank in the existing wall which had 2x6 framing. The toilet’s bidet seat (with remote control) required an electrical circuit. In one corner of the bathroom is a single unit wall-mounted drawer with five floating shelves above. The towel bars that are attached to each shelf are appliance pulls. The room has layers of light, including LED strips under the toilet, vanity, and shelving to highlight the floating/wall mounted units. The medicine cabinets have surface mounted lights, and there are recessed lights in the room, as well as in the shower. We also renovated the hall powder room with new flooring, vanity, and fixtures.

This bathroom was transformed into a more accessible space for these homeowners. Along with being functional, the bathroom is aesthetically pleasing as well. The cabinets are a rich stained maple, the shower features stone mosaic flooring, and the counter tops are a classic cultured marble.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates. To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling. In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs. The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact. As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This contemporary bathroom design adds a bit of luxury to the morning routine with an expansive walk-in shower equipped with both a rainfall showerhead and a handheld shower. The shower also incorporates built-in ledges at different heights for handy storage and resting your feet. The contemporary cabinetry includes a freestanding armoire, and the entire design is completed by a rug design Carrera marble floor and unique pendant lights.

HDBros The clients wanted a unique and spa-like master bath retreat to complement their already beautiful downtown loft. They wanted design solutions and attention to detail that would help distinguish their duplex apartment as a one-of-a-kind space tailored to their specific needs. The existing master bath did not have the sleek contemporary look they prefer, and the shower was too small. We enlarged the shower by removing a tub in an adjacent hall bath. The clients were willing to change the full hall bath into a powder room as they already had two full baths on the lower level. A simple palette of white, gray, and black enhances the contemporary design. We removed the wall between the master and hall bath, removed the hall bath tub, and built a new wall. We had to install all new plumbing rough-ins for the new fixtures. The new shower is 7-feet 9-inches by 4-feet -- enlarged from the original 4-foot square – with a linear drain in the floor. • The owners selected a river rock floor to provide acupressure and an organic touch to the modern room. • The black back wall has a large niche set with the same contrasting white tile as the side walls. The niche is outlined with metal trim. • Adding drama and the feel of a waterfall is an oversized 23-inch square rain head in the ceiling. The clients wanted two benches. Our crew mounted stainless steel L-brackets on the side walls. Our countertop fabricator routed the underside of the engineered quartz benches so the brackets sit flush. The clients also wanted a steam shower, so the glass doors span from the base to the tiled ceiling. We angled the shower ceiling such that the condensation drips would float back to the rear wall instead of straight down. Also set in the walls are waterproof blue-tooth enabled speakers. The clients were inspired by a photo of a countertop with dual ramp sinks. However, there were no references or design information. Our team stepped up to the challenge and created a detailed shop drawings with consultations between our designer, stone fabricator, and in-house plumber. A concealed tank/wall hung toilet fits the clean design lines. We installed the tank in the existing wall which had 2x6 framing. The toilet’s bidet seat (with remote control) required an electrical circuit. In one corner of the bathroom is a single unit wall-mounted drawer with five floating shelves above. The towel bars that are attached to each shelf are appliance pulls. The room has layers of light, including LED strips under the toilet, vanity, and shelving to highlight the floating/wall mounted units. The medicine cabinets have surface mounted lights, and there are recessed lights in the room, as well as in the shower. We also renovated the hall powder room with new flooring, vanity, and fixtures.

When someone is willing to put his or her own name on someone else's product, it's the ultimate show of trust. Take it from someone who is doing just that. Steve D'Gerolamo, owner of The Ultimate Garage, a home garage workspace design and consulting business, has made a comfortable living putting his valued name behind over 1,000 Lista cabinets and workbenches since 1995 for his clients. And the number keeps growing. Steve has installed Lista solutions in every size, shape and configuration: drawer storage cabinets in a variety of heights, widths and depths; work areas with counter tops over cabinets; workbenches; overhead cabinets, Storage Wall systems and other Lista products. "I'm an organization freak," says Steve. "The thing I really like most about the Lista system is that you can customize the drawer layouts to exactly match your storage needs. And then there's the wide variety of products, and the flexibility of the system. For the same reasons, Lista products make great office furniture. I really believe in the products." A whole new idea in "kitchen cabinets." Pride is something Steve does not take lightly. "I design for everyone from small hobbyists to very elaborate home garages to racing trailers. I design every job as if I were doing it for myself, because it has to be a project I can be proud of." “ The garage is like a man's kitchen. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut. ” Steve is quick to put his cars where his mouth is. "The garage is like a man's kitchen," he says, referring to his own home-away-from-home, which houses his own collection of fuel-efficient cars. "I spent 20 years at IBM, so this is a second career for me. Basically, I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I'm a car nut, but more than that, I'm a tool nut." Steve continues, "I've been working with Lista since I started doing garage and workshop installations. There are plenty of competitive products these days but when it comes to quality, durability, and value, Lista is my only choice for workshop storage needs. Equally as important, the company support and service is unparalleled in this industry....these folks are at the top of my list." As for Steve's clients, "They're very impressed with Lista," he says. "A lot of my jobs start with the use of just one Lista piece, and over the years the customers end up buying 30 or 40 pieces."

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

Mackey Builders- Located just north of Highway 24, the neighborhood of Hiller Highlands was rebuilt shortly after being ravaged by the 1991 Oakland fires. The client, who is an artist, recently purchased her two-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath townhouse on Treasure Hill intending to completely renovate the interior before moving in. Her goal was to have a home that reflected her eclectic and modern aesthetics; working with Mackey Builders, Inc., she was able to realize her vision. Updating the kitchen was a top priority for the owner, as she is a gourmet cook. Collaborating with Stacey to create a design that was streamlined and functional, she chose quartz countertops and a natural stone backsplash to replace the ceramic counters and backsplash original to the home. She exchanged contractor-grade appliances for a Miele double oven, cooktop, and dishwasher, and purchased a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a glass door. Open shelving was integrated into the design so that the owner could display her beautiful ceramic collection. When designing the kitchen's custom cabinetry, Stacey chose a horizontal wood grain to balance the room's high ceilings. He also suggested removing a small bar area in order to expand the kitchen. Amber Flooring was brought in to resurface the hardwood floors and the Mackey Builders team replaced windows and doors, upgraded the lighting, painted all interior walls, and installed more modern trim details. In the master bath, guest bather, and powder room, they installed new quartz countertops, sinks, and custom cabinets. Bathroom walls were hand-plastered in neutral tones that show subtle variations in color. In the living room, the wood-burning fireplace, mantel, and built-in shelving were removed and replaced with a sleek high efficiency gas fireplace set into a wall of black large format tile. In keeping the owner's eclectic taste, a new stair railing made of custom-milled maple, wire rope, and acid-etched steel was designed and built. Because the owner loves to draw, Stacey came up with the idea of painting a wall in the dining area with blackboard paint and framing it. He then added a ceramic skull and lights; the finished product is a unique and changeable art installation that is also a focal point for the room. While this project began as an interior remodel, it expanded to include a fence and siding replacement. About Mackey Builders, Inc. Mackey Builders, an award-winning contracting firm, has been in business for over 30 years and is proud to have completed hundreds of remodeling projects in the East Bay, San Francisco, and Marin County. An artist by nature, Stacey has an exquisite eye for detail and creates designs that are as beautiful as they are functional. Client satisfaction is paramount; he is always willing to "go the extra mile" to ensure the finished product meets both the client's and his own exacting standards.