New construction opens a wide array of options when it comes to selecting finishes. For this particular client, they wanted a durable floor that was also aesthetically pleasing to complete their basement. Since there was no topical sealer on the new concrete, a polished flooring system was selected. The basement itself was a little over 1200 square feet and featured a game room, main living area, bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen. All of the flooring was to be polished to a level 400 shine and finished with a densifier and stain guarding product. Polished concrete is the most durable flooring choice. It allows the concrete to breathe below grade, creates movement and character throughout the space and is very easy to maintain. With a pond out back, a polished concrete floor is easy to clean and will be able to withstand high traffic.

These homeowners are well known to our team as repeat clients and asked us to convert a dated deck overlooking their pool and the lake into an indoor/outdoor living space. A new footer foundation with tile floor was added to withstand the Indiana climate and to create an elegant aesthetic. The existing transom windows were raised and a collapsible glass wall with retractable screens was added to truly bring the outdoor space inside. Overhead heaters and ceiling fans now assist with climate control and a custom TV cabinet was built and installed utilizing motorized retractable hardware to hide the TV when not in use. As the exterior project was concluding we additionally removed 2 interior walls and french doors to a room to be converted to a game room. We removed a storage space under the stairs leading to the upper floor and installed contemporary stair tread and cable handrail for an updated modern look. The first floor living space is now open and entertainer friendly with uninterrupted flow from inside to outside and is simply stunning.

After purchasing their first home, a 3-bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom condo unit in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, our clients came to us for help with updating the 1990s era interiors. On our first visit, we saw lots of golden oak - cabinets, floors, windows, trim. We started by tearing out the inexpensive developer-grade finishes and replacing them with quality materials capable of withstanding the test of time. We designed custom cabinetry with interior fittings tailored to the particular needs of our client and assisted with the selection of all the interior finishes. Our clients love their new home and the fact that it's interiors are as stylish as their new neighborhood.

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

The main design goal of this Northern European country style home was to use traditional, authentic materials that would have been used ages ago. ORIJIN STONE premium stone was selected as one such material, taking the main stage throughout key living areas including the custom hand carved Alder™ Limestone fireplace in the living room, as well as the master bedroom Alder fireplace surround, the Greydon™ Sandstone cobbles used for flooring in the den, porch and dining room as well as the front walk, and for the Greydon Sandstone paving & treads forming the front entrance steps and landing, throughout the garden walkways and patios and surrounding the beautiful pool. This home was designed and built to withstand both trends and time, a true & charming heirloom estate. Architecture: Rehkamp Larson Architects Builder: Kyle Hunt & Partners Landscape Design & Stone Install: Yardscapes Mason: Meyer Masonry Interior Design: Alecia Stevens Interiors Photography: Scott Amundson Photography & Spacecrafting Photography

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Utility room - country single-wall utility room idea in Seattle with a drop-in sink, wood countertops and a side-by-side washer/dryer

All of the exterior elements on this Craftsman cottage are designed to withstand the harsh elements and high winds of a coastal environment. The garage door is a low-maintenance, insulated Clopay Coachman Collection carriage house door, Design 12 with REC13 windows in white.

Accoya was used for all the superior decking and facades throughout the ‘Jungle House’ on Guarujá Beach. Accoya wood was also used for some of the interior paneling and room furniture as well as for unique MUXARABI joineries. This is a special type of joinery used by architects to enhance the aestetic design of a project as the joinery acts as a light filter providing varying projections of light throughout the day. The architect chose not to apply any colour, leaving Accoya in its natural grey state therefore complimenting the beautiful surroundings of the project. Accoya was also chosen due to its incredible durability to withstand Brazil’s intense heat and humidity. Credits as follows: Architectural Project – Studio mk27 (marcio kogan + samanta cafardo), Interior design – studio mk27 (márcio kogan + diana radomysler), Photos – fernando guerra (Photographer).

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

This outdoor cabana come kitchen was turned into private sanctuary once the owners added Weatherwell Elite aluminum shutters. It gave them the flexibility to block the wind and the sun glare when needed, or open up to the view. It also created some much needed privacy from their neighbors. Now they can use their cabana 365 days a year.

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

John McManus
Inspiration for a large eclectic u-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and paneled appliances

When our clients approached us about this project, they had a large vacant lot and a set of architectural plans in hand, and they needed our help to envision the interior of their dream home. As a busy family with young kids, they relied on KMI to help identify a design style that suited both of them and served their family's needs and lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges of the project was finding ways to blend their varying aesthetic desires, striking just the right balance between bright and cheery and rustic and moody. We also helped develop the exterior color scheme and material selections to ensure the interior and exterior of the home were cohesive and spoke to each other. With this project being a new build, there was not a square inch of the interior that KMI didn't touch. In our material selections throughout the home, we sought to draw on the surrounding nature as an inspiration. The home is situated on a large lot with many large pine trees towering above. The goal was to bring some natural elements inside and make the house feel like it fits in its rustic setting. It was also a goal to create a home that felt inviting, warm, and durable enough to withstand all the life a busy family would throw at it. Slate tile floors, quartz countertops made to look like cement, rustic wood accent walls, and ceramic tiles in earthy tones are a few of the ways this was achieved. There are so many things to love about this home, but we're especially proud of the way it all came together. The mix of materials, like iron, stone, and wood, helps give the home character and depth and adds warmth to some high-contrast black and white designs throughout the home. Anytime we do something truly unique and custom for a client, we also get a bit giddy, and the light fixture above the dining room table is a perfect example of that. A labor of love and the collaboration of design ideas between our client and us produced the one-of-a-kind fixture that perfectly fits this home. Bringing our client's dreams and visions to life is what we love most about being designers, and this project allowed us to do just that.

The main design goal of this Northern European country style home was to use traditional, authentic materials that would have been used ages ago. ORIJIN STONE premium stone was selected as one such material, taking the main stage throughout key living areas including the custom hand carved Alder™ Limestone fireplace in the living room, as well as the master bedroom Alder fireplace surround, the Greydon™ Sandstone cobbles used for flooring in the den, porch and dining room as well as the front walk, and for the Greydon Sandstone paving & treads forming the front entrance steps and landing, throughout the garden walkways and patios and surrounding the beautiful pool. This home was designed and built to withstand both trends and time, a true & charming heirloom estate. Architecture: Rehkamp Larson Architects Builder: Kyle Hunt & Partners Landscape Design & Stone Install: Yardscapes Mason: Meyer Masonry Interior Design: Alecia Stevens Interiors Photography: Scott Amundson Photography & Spacecrafting Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Salt Lake City

When our clients approached us about this project, they had a large vacant lot and a set of architectural plans in hand, and they needed our help to envision the interior of their dream home. As a busy family with young kids, they relied on KMI to help identify a design style that suited both of them and served their family's needs and lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges of the project was finding ways to blend their varying aesthetic desires, striking just the right balance between bright and cheery and rustic and moody. We also helped develop the exterior color scheme and material selections to ensure the interior and exterior of the home were cohesive and spoke to each other. With this project being a new build, there was not a square inch of the interior that KMI didn't touch. In our material selections throughout the home, we sought to draw on the surrounding nature as an inspiration. The home is situated on a large lot with many large pine trees towering above. The goal was to bring some natural elements inside and make the house feel like it fits in its rustic setting. It was also a goal to create a home that felt inviting, warm, and durable enough to withstand all the life a busy family would throw at it. Slate tile floors, quartz countertops made to look like cement, rustic wood accent walls, and ceramic tiles in earthy tones are a few of the ways this was achieved. There are so many things to love about this home, but we're especially proud of the way it all came together. The mix of materials, like iron, stone, and wood, helps give the home character and depth and adds warmth to some high-contrast black and white designs throughout the home. Anytime we do something truly unique and custom for a client, we also get a bit giddy, and the light fixture above the dining room table is a perfect example of that. A labor of love and the collaboration of design ideas between our client and us produced the one-of-a-kind fixture that perfectly fits this home. Bringing our client's dreams and visions to life is what we love most about being designers, and this project allowed us to do just that.

When building their new home, this young couple chose Cambria Praa Sands design for their kitchen; Cambria Torquay for master vanity and Chocolate Bordeaux granite guest vanity. Once they'd gathered all their information and realized that Cambria is virtually maintenance free, the decision was an easy one. They needed Cambria because they knew it would outlast any other countertop surface and withstand any abuse from kids, family, and friends.

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Seattle.