When functionality is the main issue, drastic measures must be considered to correct the problems. In this Hugo remodel, we did a 180-degree transformation, moving the kitchen to where the living room and fireplace used to be and visa verse.

A ramp along a curved wall in the Kiasma Museu, Helsinki, Finland

Project Summary 

This home was starting to show its age.  Built in the 2009, it had that mix of light and dark-toned wood.  But the underlying problem was how it worked.  And the verdict was not very well.  When functionality leads the way, storage and improved utility becomes the driving concern.  Feeding a family of 5 is no small matter. When they are teenagers, well you need access to food quickly!  Might be nice to have a walk-in pantry.  Design priority, check. 

It became clear rather quickly that to gain the space needed for the functional improvements we had to think way INSIDE the box.  And so the design team and the homeowner decided to flip everything!  And in doing so we ended up bringing everyone together.

Did we achieve that perfect balance between aesthetics and function?  You’ll have to watch the short video below and judge for yourself.  One thing is for sure,  our homeowner certainly thinks so!

COMPARISON: Before & After—from left, formerly the living room is now, right, the kitchen.  Major flip of everything!
COMPARISON: Before & After—from left, formerly the kitchen is now, right, the living room with new fireplace.  The window was enlarged for maximum light.

Before

After

AFTER:  Countertops—Calacatta Laza, backsplash—4×12 Ragno Glossy Brick Wall tile.  Cabinets are enamel, HF Snowbound.  Bosch Double Wall Oven in black stainless.
AFTER: The pantry was a big deal as was the beverage center.  The island now seats 6, with two on the ends.  Island pendants Quoizel QFS228RK.
AFTER: Coffee bar cabinet closed and open.  Notice how doors fold away inside the cabinet. Cabinets are shaker style.  Beverage fridge is Monogram Wine Reserve.
AFTER: Beautiful new LVP flooring throughout the main floor—Adura Max, Dockside-sand.  Walls are finished in Hidden Cove – eggshell.  We also replaced the railing. Black iron is very popular.
AFTER: Allusion Electric Fireplace.
SHIPLAP OR TONGUE &N GROOVE IS A DESIGN TREND

Is Shiplap Coming Back?

Is shiplap coming back, again, or did it never really leave? No doubt it was long forgotten by many in the basements of Richfield homes and the halls of most American Legions.  But since Joanna Gaines’ popular  use of shiplap in nearly every HGTV episode years ago, it’s still with us.  And our designers continue using it in many applications such as this one.  So, we penned a blog on the topic we thought you might find useful.

AFTER: Mantle is 60x6x6 inch oak finished in Husk.

Meet our team

Our comprehensive suite of professionals caters to a diverse team, ranging from seasoned architects to renowned engineers.

Francesca Piovani

Founder, CEO & Architect

Rhye Moore

Engineering Manager

Helga Steiner

Architect

Ivan Lawrence

Project Manager

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White abstract geometric artwork from Dresden, Germany