In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Die Anpassung des Innenraums war eine Herausforderung, da der ursprüngliche Raum (derzeit 140 m2) der Wohnung nur ein Teil des ursprünglichen Grundrisses aus der Vorkriegszeit ist, der etwa dreimal so groß war. Die vordere repräsentative Wohnung vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg bestand aus mehreren großen Gästezimmern, einem Wohnzimmer, einem Raum für Bedienstete, Kücheneinrichtungen usw. Nach der Nachkriegsaufteilung verloren einige Räume ihre Funktion oder wurden chaotisch und hastig angepasst. Aus diesem Grund war eine der Annahmen der von Agi Kuczyńska entworfenen neuen Adaption die umfassende Rekonstruktion des Innenraums und dessen sinnvolle Funktion: Küche und Esszimmer wurden in den größten Raum verlegt. An die Stelle der ehemaligen Küche tritt jetzt ein eigenes Bad, dessen Eingang im Einbauschrank im Schlafzimmer des Eigentümers versteckt ist und für die Gäste unzugänglich und unsichtbar ist.

This bathroom is unrecognizable from the original. The footprint and layout are completely different. It has been remodeled into a large open space with beautiful materials and finishes.

Extensive remodel of an exquisite Colonial that included a 2 story addition, open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen, first floor laundry/mud and updated master suite with marble bath.

Luxury master bath in Barrington with a wet room featuring a claw-foot tub, chrome tub filler, and marble hex tile.

BAGNO COMPLETAMENTE RISTRUTTURATO CON PAVIMENTO IN PVC EFFETTO LEGNO E CEMENTINE IN GRES PORCELLANATO. SANITARI SOSPESI BIANCHI, PIATTO DOCCIA IN RESINA DA 160X80 CM E BOX DOCCIA SCORREVOLE

This homeowner loved her home, loved the location, but it needed updating and a more efficient use of the condensed space she had for her master bedroom/bath. She was desirous of a spa-like master suite that not only used all spaces efficiently but was a tranquil escape to enjoy. Her master bathroom was small, dated and inefficient with a corner shower and she used a couple small areas for storage but needed a more formal master closet and designated space for her shoes. Additionally, we were working with severely sloped ceilings in this space, which required us to be creative in utilizing the space for a hallway as well as prized shoe storage while stealing space from the bedroom. She also asked for a laundry room on this floor, which we were able to create using stackable units. Custom closet cabinetry allowed for closed storage and a fun light fixture complete the space. Her new master bathroom allowed for a large shower with fun tile and bench, custom cabinetry with transitional plumbing fixtures, and a sliding barn door for privacy.

Continuing with the contemporary art theme seen throughout the home, this luxe master bathroom remodel was the second phase in a full condo remodel in NW Portland. Features such as colorful wallpaper, wall-mounted washlet toilet and sink faucet, floating vanity with strip lighting underneath, marble-look quartz counters, and large-format porcelain tile all make this small space feel much larger. For a touch of flair and function, the bathroom features a fun, hot pink sink faucet, strategically placed art niche, and custom cabinetry for optimal storage. It was also important to our client to create a home where she could have accessibility while aging. We added features like a curb-less shower, shower seat, grab bars, and ample lighting so the space will continue to meet her needs for many years to come.

Powder room renovation with custom furniture style vanity and shiplap walls

Robin Stancliff photo credits. My client’s main focus for this bathroom was to create a wheelchair accessible shower while maintaining a unique and rustic visual appeal. When we received this project, the majority of the bathroom had already been destroyed, and the new vanity was already in place. Our main contribution was the new ADA accessible shower. We decided to keep the Saltillo tile and brick wall in the bathroom to keep some of the original Southwestern charm of the home, and create a stone flooring for the base of the shower. By mixing a variety of colored stones and creating a stone detail up the side of the shower, we were able to add a modern and fresh touch to the shower. Aside from the stone detail, the sides of the shower are made up of rustic wood-look porcelain which fits the overall aesthetic of the bathroom while still being easy to clean. To accommodate a wheelchair, the shower is 5’ by 5’ with a 3’ door. The handheld bar at the back of the shower is an ADA compliant bar which has levers so it can be easily maneuvered. Overall, we aimed to create a sturdy structure for the shower that would hold up to various disability needs while still remaining chic. By adding rustic details and thoughtful ADA compliant components, this shower is useful and attractive.