As seen in another photo within this project showing the before picture, this kitchen suffered from poor flow and felt quite cramped. During the first consultation, there was discussion about knocking walls down and including the dining room as part of the kitchen. We went to the design board and came up with the most economical solution we could to meet all the requirements. No walls needed to be removed. We redesigned the entire kitchen to allow for better flow and space. The end product is still amazing. A few of the changes included the relocation of the dishwasher, fridge and the centering of the sink. Originally the dishwasher and sink were located on the same wall making it very cramped and non-functional. By moving the dishwasher to where the fridge originally was located and then centering the sink allows for a comfortable and functional use of space. Lighting was an essential part of the design with the addition of numerous recessed lights and under cabinet lighting all with the ability to dim. This allows for a full range of ambient lighting. A good portion of the budget went to installing the granite counter tops. The movement is unique in every piece and draws the eye immediately. The glass mosaic tile back splash adds glamour without taking anything away from the granite. The use of different size upper cabinets accentuates the crown molding and gives the kitchen a more custom look but helped stay on budget by using standard sizes. A new Delta kitchen faucet with two wave technology locations make clean up easy when your hands are dirty, and filling a pot less straining on the wrist as you just place it under the faucet and the water turns on automatically. Finishing the kitchen off is the Mannington vinyl tile flooring that requires grouting. Laid on a diagonal, again raises the level of this kitchen to a more custom feel.

Rich deep brown tones of walnut and chocolate finished with a subtle wire-brush. A classic color range that is comfortable in both traditional and modern designs. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.

Debbie Schwab photography

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

These clients requested a "homey" and earthy feel and design for their space. We decided to take inspiration from their gorgeous backyard and did a two-tone cabinetry look with stained alder shaker cabinets and white uppers to lighten and brighten. We did a large herringbone tile that offers a neutral yet warm color that coincides with the LVT floor with a richer undertone to hide all the things! And lastly, we opened up the space between the kitchen and breezy way for a comfortable place to entertain and we elevated their spaces to make everything feel larger.

This twin home was the perfect home for these empty nesters – retro-styled bathrooms, beautiful fireplace and built-ins, and a spectacular garden. The only thing the home was lacking was a functional kitchen space. The old kitchen had three entry points – one to the dining room, one to the back entry, and one to a hallway. The hallway entry was closed off to create a more functional galley style kitchen that isolated traffic running through and allowed for much more countertop and storage space. The clients wanted a transitional style that mimicked their design choices in the rest of the home. A medium wood stained base cabinet was chosen to warm up the space and create contrast against the soft white upper cabinets. The stove was given two resting points on each side, and a large pantry was added for easy-access storage. The original box window at the kitchen sink remains, but the same granite used for the countertops now sits on the sill of the window, as opposed to the old wood sill that showed all water stains and wears. The granite chosen (Nevaska Granite) is a wonderful color mixture of browns, greys, whites, steely blues and a hint of black. A travertine tile backsplash accents the warmth found in the wood tone of the base cabinets and countertops. Elegant lighting was installed as well as task lighting to compliment the bright, natural light in this kitchen. A flip-up work station will be added as another work point for the homeowners – likely to be used for their stand mixer while baking goodies with their grandkids. Wallpaper adds another layer of visual interest and texture. The end result is an elegant and timeless design that the homeowners will gladly use for years to come. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Farmhouse style kitchen remodel. Our clients wanted to do a total refresh of their kitchen. We incorporated a warm toned vinyl flooring (Nuvelle Density Rigid Core in Honey Pecan"), two toned cabinets in a beautiful blue gray and cream (Diamond cabinets) granite countertops and a gorgeous gas range (GE Cafe Pro range). By overhauling the laundry and pantry area we were able to give them a lot more storage. We reorganized a lot of the kitchen creating a better flow specifically giving them a coffee bar station, cutting board station, and a new microwave drawer and wine fridge. Increasing the gas stove to 36" allowed the avid chef owner to cook without restrictions making his daily life easier. One of our favorite sayings is "I love it" and we are able to say thankfully we heard it a lot.

Colona iL kitchen with Koch Express cabinetry in painted "Oyster" finish with "Stone" stained island. Formica 180fx Calacatta Marble laminate with "Ideal" bullnose edge applied. COREtec flooring in "Muir Oak" color and XL 9" wide planks. Design and materials by Village Home Stores for Hazelwood Homes.

after photo Installation by HORIZON INTERIORS LLC

Florian Thierer Photography

Vance Vetter Homes. Cabinets: Creative Wood Designs. Counter tops: Precision Tops, Lc

Writing of Light Photography & Instangraphy.

When a client buys an old home next to a resort spa you have to add some current functionality and style to make it the desired modern beach cottage. For the renovation, we worked with the team including the builder, architect and of course the home owners to brightening the home with new windows, moving walls all the while keeping the over all scope and budget from not getting out of control. The master bathroom is clean and modern but we also keep the budget in mind and used luxury vinyl flooring with a custom tile detail where it meets with the shower. We decided to keep the front door and work into the new materials by adding rustic reclaimed wood that we hand selected. The project required creativity throughout to maximize the design style but still respect the overall budget since it was a large scape project.

A kitchen designed to be highly functional from wheelchair height is as handsome as it is accessible. There is open knee-space under the sink and counters. The kitchen island has one level for cooking and a lower-level counter that doubles as dining or workspace. Armstrong Alterna vinyl tile flooring is perfect for wheelchairs and blends seamlessly with the existing ahrdwood for a smooth transition. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

Refurbished contemporary luxury kitchen with curved breakfast bar and units

Rich toasted cherry with a light rustic grain that has iconic character and texture. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.