Case Studies

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To review our in-depth case studies, including before and after pictures, plans, and design strategies, please provide your name and email address.

Mt.Lebanon

Home Makeover

​DESIGN CHALLENGES

• ​Keeping original architectural integrity of styling while introducing contemporary details and an open floor plan 

• How to create privacy in porch area

• Design of the roof for addition so as to accommodate existing second floor's windows

#1: Eliminate the entire rear wall to gain a larger kitchen and family room.  A blind beam creates a seamless extension

• Tray ceiling detail was chosen to hide the low pitch rafter and define the space in open plan of kitchen and family room

#2: Incorporate peninsula cabinetry with columns to define space, kitchen & family room.  One column is structural, to support blind beam for entire rear wall of original house. To balance, we added a false column on the other side of the peninsula

#3: Custom-made elliptical casing to match existing   Eliminating hall closet and creating an open hallway to the new space for better flow and visual from the front entry hall.

#4: Create cozy seating area with exterior fireplace position on side of porch to create privacy.

#5: To maximize family room depth and to clear second floor window, roof pitch in family room is designed to be lower

#6: Mudroom and the side stairs were designed to maximize the space without encroaching on the existing driveway. This achieved by adding exterior steps at the mudroom door.

#7: Removed existing stone veneer on the interior fireplace in the living and installed panelized fireplace architrave with slate surround and hearth.  New built-in bookcases flanking the window seat and new fireplace molding made the room bright with clean lines producing a contemporary flare that resonates well with the home's traditional style.

OUR EXCLUSIVE DESIGN AND PRODUCT FEATURES

• Custom range hood 

• Stylish pantry with wire mesh front vegetable drawers doubles as a hallway between the kitchen and dining room.

• Honed Negresco kitchen main counter & Honed Calacatta Marble
• Lighting includes LED recessed lights, LED under cabinet lights, LED cove lighting and gorgeous pendants

#1: Create larger opening between kitchen and sitting area to connect great room and kitchen, and also gives more space around island.

• Maintain smaller walk-in pantry, redesigning it for maximum efficiency and windows for natural lighting.​​​

• Adding suspended tongue & groove board ceiling between beams, to create continuity with existing dining area ceiling, and create ceiling cavity for recessed lighting in kitchen. 

• Add new seamless natural color hardwood flooring throughout the rooms.

• Choose lighter-color granite, back splash tile, and glass doors for wall cabinets to brighten.

#2: Conceal existing structural pilaster at peninsula by wrapping with drywall and adding floating shelves to transition from cabinetry to drywall to wood wall.

• Added larger window in kitchen to gain natural light and enjoy the outdoor landscape and wildlife.

#3:​ Get rid of existing corner cabinet by adding a small closet in pantry for plumbing line and heating duct to service second floor; peninsula end cabinet is accessible from dining room side.

OUR EXCLUSIVE DESIGN AND PRODUCT FEATURES

• Tall pantry cabinets to hide the heating duct and soil stack. 

• LED recessed lights and under-cabinet task lighting.

• Chiseled Limestone backsplash tile with Persa Antique granite

• Rift sawn oak custom cabinetry build by our furniture maker trade-partner.

• Flip-down drawer fronts for hidden outlets on island.

• Hubbardton Forge pendant lights & ceiling light – inspired by the flat-bottomed Erlenmeyerblown-glass flask.

#4:​ Tapered kitchen cabinet legs throughout creating continuity with the existing dining room furniture.

• Two tone stain cabinetry to add depth and interest.

#5:​ Glue chip frosted glass for wall cabinets and sliding glass doors in the bar area to add interest and uniqueness.

• DESIGN, ESTIMATING, AND PLANNING - 3 MONTHS
• CONSTRUCTION* - 4- 5 MONTHS
• COST RANGE - We will share this with you when we discuss your project.    

Sewickley Heights Bathroom

OBJECTIVES

Create a functional and soothing master bathroom space to support the customer's needs and wants

• Bring "the outside, in" with views of the pristine landscape and wildlife

• Expand the space to include a soaking tub

• Incorporate aging-in-place amenities

• Infuse Japanese design elements

OUR DESIGN CHALLENGES

How to create a more open and functional space within the existing home structure

• Include large, functional walk-in closet

• Comply with local architectural review board standards on the exterior design

• Accommodate a person's short stature

• Provide additional storage

• Anticipate future mobility challenges

• Tub capacity needs to be conducive with septic system

• Incorporate larger windows

#1: Larger windows 

• Combine the space from two small baths and two closets

• Employ pocket doors to maximize efficiency

#2: Double medicine cabinet crafted from exotic Sapele wood with sliding doors integrated with window as Japanese design feature

• Low E windows with hidden privacy blinds

• Match existing exterior details on all new windows to comply with architectural review board standards

• Create a lower height counter top for height of homeowner

• Design and build custom vanity cabinetry with pull-outs under sinks

• No thresholds throughout the space for aging-in-place comfort and ease

• Substitute standard tub for larger Japanese style soaking tub

#3: No threshold wide doorways

• Walk-in, no threshold shower entry

• Designer Grab-bar at tub

• Pocket doors

#4: A small cabinet, built into the wall, provides hidden and efficient storage in water closet

INFUSION OF HARMONIOUS JAPANESE DESIGN ELEMENTS

#5: ​Combined tub and shower room reminiscent of a Japanese bath

#6:​ Textured porcelain tile selected for its resemblance to fabric

#7: Tile set in grid pattern to mimic shoji screen

#8: ​Glass tile in shower area has the appearance of a Kakejiku, Japanese scroll painting

• Interior window and door casing style

• Radiant heating in the floor

• DESIGN, ESTIMATING, AND PLANNING - 4 MONTHS
• CONSTRUCTION* - 4- 5 MONTHS
• COST RANGE - we will share this information with you when we talk about your project.