http://www.cabinetwerks.com The library features a dramatic coffered ceiling, fully-paneled cherry walls, and fireplace with stone surround and hearth. Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan. Cabinetry by Wood-Mode/Brookhaven.

Steven Dewall

A grand home on Philadelphia's Main Line receives a freshening up when clients buy an old home and bring in their previous traditional furnishings but add lots of new contemporary and colorful furnishings to bring the house up to date. A small study by the front entrance offers a quiet space to meet. Jay Greene Photography

The dark paneled study is layered in warm woods and highlighted by detailed carvings. A banquette between the bookshelves expands the seating options. A Bonisolli Photography

Home office with large windows. An inspiring setting to work in.

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

A large circular driveway and serene rock garden welcome visitors to this elegant estate. Classic columns, Shingle and stone distinguish the front exterior, which leads inside through a light-filled entryway. Rear exterior highlights include a natural-style pool, another rock garden and a beautiful, tree-filled lot. Interior spaces are equally beautiful. The large formal living room boasts coved ceiling, abundant windows overlooking the woods beyond, leaded-glass doors and dramatic Old World crown moldings. Not far away, the casual and comfortable family room entices with coffered ceilings and an unusual wood fireplace. Looking for privacy and a place to curl up with a good book? The dramatic library has intricate paneling, handsome beams and a peaked barrel-vaulted ceiling. Other highlights include a spacious master suite, including a large French-style master bath with his-and-hers vanities. Hallways and spaces throughout feature the level of quality generally found in homes of the past, including arched windows, intricately carved moldings and painted walls reminiscent of Old World manors.

Kyle Cannon

Intimate seating area by the fireplace in this luxurious home library. The walls and ceilings are fully paneled in walnut and feature multiple arched openings with built-in bookcases. Photo by Mike Kaskel

New mahogany library. The fluted Corinthian pilasters and cornice were designed to match the existing front door surround. A 13" thick brick bearing wall was removed in order to recess the bookcase. The size and placement of the bookshelves spring from the exterior windows on the opposite wall, and the pilaster/ coffer ceiling design was used to tie the room together. Mako Builders and Clark Robins Design/ Build Trademark Woodworking Sheila Gunst- design consultant Photography by Ansel Olson

The homeowner wanted a more fresh, lighter-looking office using their existing furniture. Using his art that we had reframed, we created a French-inspired theme with a lantern pendant and clean, French inspired sconce lighting. An updated side table, rug and desk chair, along with some fun but functional accessories, kept this office feeling warm but much more airy.