A previous client (Big Wood Lane) reached out to us to help design a remodel of a recently purchased on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. The home had grown organically since its original construction in 1945. It had evolved over time to accommodate the needs of its numerous owners. Our client brought a new set of needs to the home that included a desire to make the lake home a comfortable destination for family and friends. The project consisted of reconfiguring an outdated, inefficient kitchen, expansion of the bedroom wing to include individual bathrooms for bedrooms and redesign of the central stair guard rail. The redesign of the kitchen included repositioning major appliances for greater efficiency, more seating at an enlarged island, a new pantry, and expanded views to the lake. The expansion of the bedroom wing included eliminating a three-season porch on top of the garage on the inland side of the home. The space above the garage roof was enclosed and turned into dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom. These bathrooms are accessible only from the bathrooms which provide privacy and convenience to visitors.

This new build architectural gem required a sensitive approach to balance the strong modernist language with the personal, emotive feel desired by the clients. Taking inspiration from the California MCM aesthetic, we added bold colour blocking, interesting textiles and patterns, and eclectic lighting to soften the glazing, crisp detailing and linear forms. With a focus on juxtaposition and contrast, we played with the ‘mix’; utilising a blend of new & vintage pieces, differing shapes & textures, and touches of whimsy for a lived in feel.

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

An original 1930’s English Tudor with only 2 bedrooms and 1 bath spanning about 1730 sq.ft. was purchased by a family with 2 amazing young kids, we saw the potential of this property to become a wonderful nest for the family to grow. The plan was to reach a 2550 sq. ft. home with 4 bedroom and 4 baths spanning over 2 stories. With continuation of the exiting architectural style of the existing home. A large 1000sq. ft. addition was constructed at the back portion of the house to include the expended master bedroom and a second-floor guest suite with a large observation balcony overlooking the mountains of Angeles Forest. An L shape staircase leading to the upstairs creates a moment of modern art with an all white walls and ceilings of this vaulted space act as a picture frame for a tall window facing the northern mountains almost as a live landscape painting that changes throughout the different times of day. Tall high sloped roof created an amazing, vaulted space in the guest suite with 4 uniquely designed windows extruding out with separate gable roof above. The downstairs bedroom boasts 9’ ceilings, extremely tall windows to enjoy the greenery of the backyard, vertical wood paneling on the walls add a warmth that is not seen very often in today’s new build. The master bathroom has a showcase 42sq. walk-in shower with its own private south facing window to illuminate the space with natural morning light. A larger format wood siding was using for the vanity backsplash wall and a private water closet for privacy. In the interior reconfiguration and remodel portion of the project the area serving as a family room was transformed to an additional bedroom with a private bath, a laundry room and hallway. The old bathroom was divided with a wall and a pocket door into a powder room the leads to a tub room. The biggest change was the kitchen area, as befitting to the 1930’s the dining room, kitchen, utility room and laundry room were all compartmentalized and enclosed. We eliminated all these partitions and walls to create a large open kitchen area that is completely open to the vaulted dining room. This way the natural light the washes the kitchen in the morning and the rays of sun that hit the dining room in the afternoon can be shared by the two areas. The opening to the living room remained only at 8’ to keep a division of space.

Once a big pink and yellow bathroom shared by the whole family, we split the room down the middle to create two bathrooms. As this one didn't get the window, we put in a gorgeous sky window for light, ventilation and style. The generous walk-in shower has a nib feature wall in green tile. The custom vanity was designed with open shelving for towels which added to the beach vibe. The fun 'pineapple' pendants are loved by everyone.

Photo : Romain Ricard

A budget-friendly family bathroom in a Craftsman-style home, using off-the-shelf fixtures and fittings with statement floor tile and metro wall tile.

A floating double vanity in this modern bathroom. The floors are porcelain tiles that give it a cement feel. The large recessed medicine cabinets provide plenty of extra storage.

Black wall sconces and large mirrors frame this transitional vanity. The cabinetry is designed with a beaded inset recessed panel fronts to elevate the transitional style. polished nickel hardware and matching faucet add elegance to the space. Check out that geometric floor tile!

This galley style bathroom was completely ripped out and stripped back to make into a wet room. Joists were repaired and floor raised, complete with under floor heating. All plumbing re-done. Ceiling dropped and walls re-plastered. Green glass tiles | Claybrook studio Floor tiles (non slip) | Porcelainosa All F&F (black matt) | Porcelainosa Terrazzo sink | Tikamoon Teak sink unit | Tikamoon Window sill & toilet tops | Corian Wall colour | Paper V by Paint & Paper Library Ceiling and woodwork | White

Compact but warm and inviting apartment bathroom.

Gorgeous master bathroom with two vanities wih single sinks, and pendant lights

Refined, Simplicity, Serenity. Just a few words that describe this incredible remodel that our team just finished. With its clean lines, open concept and natural light, this bathroom is a master piece of minimalist design.

In our master bathroom, we wanted to refresh the design without changing the cabinetry or layout. Every piece of tile in this beautiful Santa Barbara-style home is intentional and unique. Starting with a unique floral tile that runs across the bathroom wall into the shower, where it meets our featured green subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern. The heated bathroom floor is a mix and match of different colored hexagons that pull colors from the shower wall and the floral design. The newly chosen hardware is umbrio, a bronze finish with prominent copper highlights, and our plumbing fixtures are venetian bronze to match. The mirrors were reused and painted black to go with our backsplash. And last but not least a beautiful copper bathtub to bring it all together.