Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

The floor to ceiling storage within this office space, also house the stacked washing machine and tumble dryer, making a truly neat yet multifunctional space.

JVL Photography

This custom home designed by Kimberly Kerl of Kustom Home Design beautifully reflects the unique personality and taste of the homeowners in a creative and dramatic fashion. The three-story home combines an eclectic blend of brick, stone, timber, lap and shingle siding. Rich textural materials such as stone and timber are incorporated into the interior design adding unexpected details and charming character to a new build. The two-story foyer with open stair and balcony allows a dramatic welcome and easy access to the upper and lower levels of the home. The Upper level contains 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, including a Jack-n-Jill style 4 piece bathroom design with private vanities and shared shower and toilet. Ample storage space is provided in the walk-in attic and large closets. Partially sloped ceilings, cozy dormers, barn doors and lighted niches give each of the bedrooms their own personality. The main level provides access to everything the homeowners need for independent living. A formal dining space for large family gatherings is connected to the open concept kitchen by a Butler's pantry and mudroom that also leads to the 3-car garage. An oversized walk-in pantry provide storage and an auxiliary prep space often referred to as a "dirty kitchen". Dirty kitchens allow homeowners to have behind the scenes spaces for clean up and prep so that the main kitchen remains clean and uncluttered. The kitchen has a large island with seating, Thermador appliances including the chef inspired 48" gas range with double ovens, 30" refrigerator column, 30" freezer columns, stainless steel double compartment sink and quiet stainless steel dishwasher. The kitchen is open to the casual dining area with large views of the backyard and connection to the two-story living room. The vaulted kitchen ceiling has timber truss accents centered on the full height stone fireplace of the living room. Timber and stone beams, columns and walls adorn this combination of living and dining spaces. The master suite is on the main level with a raised ceiling, oversized walk-in closet, master bathroom with soaking tub, two-person luxury shower, water closet and double vanity. The laundry room is convenient to the master, garage and kitchen. An executive level office is also located on the main level with clerestory dormer windows, vaulted ceiling, full height fireplace and grand views. All main living spaces have access to the large veranda and expertly crafted deck. The lower level houses the future recreation space and media room along with surplus storage space and utility areas. Kimberly Kerl, KH Design

Designer: Michael Simpson; Photography by Yvonne Menegol

Laundry room - large laundry room with custom white cabinets, high end appliances, glass backsplash, and 4 panel modern interior door in Los Altos.

This small utility space, still manages to provide plenty of room for all laundry needs. There is plenty of surface space, and storage available. The embedded skylight means it's a light and airy working space.

Tom Roe

Remodeled by Lion Builder construction Design By Veneer Designs

The laundry room is built into a centre 'island', which separates the family room from the bedroom area, creating privacy. The laundry area includes a hidden laundry chute that feeds a laundry basket, which is stored behind the the lower cabinet doors. The dehumidifer is located there as well, with air circulation created through a baseboard detail. Claire MacDonald