I have previously worked in every level of this home – project images can be viewed on Riverdale Top to Bottom Renovation – the Third Floor was the final frontier and the transformation is quite spectacular (even if I say so myself!). Before and after pictures can be found on our website. My client’s twin boys were rapidly outgrowing their little nursery on the second floor and so plans were drawn up to renovate the third floor…. All of this work was done with my clients / kids / pets living at home. We erected a scaffolding tower at the side of the home and this was how all the trades got in and out throughout the project – the scaffolding stairs were actually wider and provided easier access than the original staircase. The original footprint comprised of 3 bedrooms (one generous sized guest bedroom at the front of the house that we retained and two smaller oddly shaped rooms with cove ceilings and angles that really prevented them being useful) plus an internal powder room. We pushed the rear internal wall of the powder room back to the exterior wall so that we could build a generous sized bathroom that will see the boys through the years. The walls and floors are neutral and we added a pop of blue with the vanity. One of my favourite elements is the river rock tile inset mat that is great for little feet to walk on – especially when the underfloor heating is on! The twin bedroom is breathtaking – the previous rooms were so small it was really hard to photograph them but if you check out the before and after section below it paints a pretty good picture. A 12’ wide dormer makes this floor feel like a treehouse and the light is amazing. We incorporated some gorgeous lighting in this room – 2 styles of sconces and a custom pendant. I love the second life carpet and the checked roman blind fabric. It’s a space that is large and comfortable enough for the whole family to sit in and enjoy. The third floor hallway was transformed by straightening the walls and levelling the ceiling. The custom light fixture / art installation guarantees you pause at the foot of the stairs. Photography by Tim McGhie

Black and white beautifully combined make this bathroom sleek and chic. Clean lines and modern design elements encompass this client's flawless design flair. Photographer: Morgan English @theenglishden

The existing 90 square foot galley kitchen was small and narrow, with limited storage and counterspace. By utilizing the hallway and master closet opposite, we expanded the kitchen across the hall, creating a 5’-6”x 2’-0”x 7’-0” niche for the Subzero refrigerator and under counter wine storage unit. The existing kitchen doorway was widened to unify the two spaces. Separating the tall elements from the original galley, the new design was able to provide uninterrupted counterspace and extra storage. Because of its proximity to the living area, the niche is also able to serve a dual role as an easily accessible bar with glass storage above when the client is entertaining. Modern, high-gloss cabinetry was extended to the ceiling, replacing the existing traditional millwork and capitalizing on previously unused space. An existing breakfast nook with a view of the East River, which had been one of the client’s favorite features, was awkwardly placed and provided for tight and uncomfortable seating. We rebuilt the banquettes, pushing them back for easier access and incorporating hidden storage compartments into the seats.

Make an excuse to "powder your nose" so you are able to take in this spectacular powder bath. There was enough Taj Mahal quartzite left from the recent kitchen remodel to resurface the countertop. But it is the onyx sink, the polished nickel vessel filler and the arabesque crackled wall tile that will entice you to "powder your nose" once again before you leave.

This condo kitchen was so tiny you could hardly move with out running into something. The condo has great views at the front and back of the condo. But you could only see the front view. By removing the wall separating the dining/ living from the kitchen we gave the clients the total view that is a special one. This gave the kitchen the space needed to make it a true cooks kitchen. The Master bath was tight and need storage that was usable. removing the oversized tub was removed and replaced with a smaller freestanding version. This gave the clients the chance to expand the master closet with the reconfiguration of the bath.

Mark Pinkerton, vi360 Photography

David Churchill

Master Bathroom with soaking tub, rain shower, custom designed arch, cabinets, crown molding, and built ins, Custom designed countertops, flooring shower tile. Built in refrigerator, coffee maker, TV, hidden appliances, mobile device station. Separate space plan for custom design and built amour and furnishings. Photo Credit: Michael Hunter

**Not a TileCraft, Inc installation**

Black and white beautifully combined make this bathroom sleek and chic. Clean lines and modern design elements encompass this client's flawless design flair. Photographer: Morgan English @theenglishden

Serene and elegant master bath with two vanities, bay window for tub, quartzite countertops and lovely tile backsplash. Designed by Design Directives, LLC., who are based in Scottsdale and serving throughout Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Sedona. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/urban-ranch/