Garage - traditional garage idea in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a farmhouse bedroom remodel in Nashville

Our client, with whom we had worked on a number of projects over the years, enlisted our help in transforming her family’s beloved but deteriorating rustic summer retreat, built by her grandparents in the mid-1920’s, into a house that would be livable year-‘round. It had served the family well but needed to be renewed for the decades to come without losing the flavor and patina they were attached to. The house was designed by Ruth Adams, a rare female architect of the day, who also designed in a similar vein a nearby summer colony of Vassar faculty and alumnae. To make Treetop habitable throughout the year, the whole house had to be gutted and insulated. The raw homosote interior wall finishes were replaced with plaster, but all the wood trim was retained and reused, as were all old doors and hardware. The old single-glazed casement windows were restored, and removable storm panels fitted into the existing in-swinging screen frames. New windows were made to match the old ones where new windows were added. This approach was inherently sustainable, making the house energy-efficient while preserving most of the original fabric. Changes to the original design were as seamless as possible, compatible with and enhancing the old character. Some plan modifications were made, and some windows moved around. The existing cave-like recessed entry porch was enclosed as a new book-lined entry hall and a new entry porch added, using posts made from an oak tree on the site. The kitchen and bathrooms are entirely new but in the spirit of the place. All the bookshelves are new. A thoroughly ramshackle garage couldn’t be saved, and we replaced it with a new one built in a compatible style, with a studio above for our client, who is a writer.

This bathroom was formerly an unused bedroom that happened to be back to back with the Master Bedroom.
Example of a classic bathroom design in Bridgeport

Notice the hinge location on the center wall cabinet. Each side has excellent access to storage. Internal outlets allow the electric toothbrushes and hair dryers to stay plugged in and out of sight...

Kaskel Photos
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Chicago

This is one our longest running projects, developed in phases over ten years. Cobblestone driveway, old world craftsmanship, one of a kind elements.
Inspiration for a large rustic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Baltimore.

Photography: Dustin Halleck
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed and formal medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

Cottage entryway photo in Nashville

Inspiration for a farmhouse bathroom remodel in Nashville

Mid-sized mountain style built-in desk concrete floor and gray floor home office library photo in San Francisco with brown walls and no fireplace

Cottage family room photo in Nashville

Greg Premru Photography, Inc
Kitchen - traditional l-shaped kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances

Kaskel Photos
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Chicago

Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in Nashville

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A stunning rustic modern exterior blends organic materials and sleek design in this energy-efficient mountain retreat, showcasing sustainable construction and luxurious craftsmanship.

© Anthony Crisafulli 2014
Inspiration for a victorian wooden staircase remodel in Providence with painted risers