PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The exterior of the home originally reflected a dated Southwest style, while the interior leaned heavily toward an Old-World Mediterranean aesthetic, neither of which aligned with the homeowner’s true vision. Having traveled extensively in his youth and developed a deep appreciation for modern architecture and refined simplicity, the homeowner envisioned a residence that could authentically showcase his lifelong collection of Asian art and artifacts acquired during his military service.
With the housing market having nearly doubled in price, relocating was no longer a practical option. The homeowner realized it would be far more cost-effective to transform his current home rather than purchase a new one that would still require significant renovation to reflect his personal style.
The goal of this renovation was to breathe new life into a tired, traditional home, reimagining it as a sophisticated, modern retreat. The scope encompassed a full redesign of the first floor, including the transformation of the breakfast room’s back wall into a folding glass door system to seamlessly extend the living area onto the patio.
Achieving the desired architectural transformation required removing all arched windows and entryways, replacing them with clean-lined openings and updated fenestration. The design also introduced a striking new pivot front door and replaced every window to create a cohesive, contemporary exterior, enhancing curb appeal and giving the home a distinctive, modern presence.
KITCHEN, DINING ROOM, BREAKFAST ROOM, FOYER, AND FAMILY ROOM
The homeowner’s passion for cooking and entertaining guided the design vision for the new kitchen and adjoining spaces. His existing kitchen, however, had numerous shortcomings: outdated appliances, an awkward layout centered around a long, narrow island, and a lack of functionality that made daily cooking and baking cumbersome. Entertaining guests became a frustration rather than a joy, as the space no longer reflected his personal taste or lifestyle.
The design objective was to create a modern, high-functioning kitchen with an emphasis on efficiency, comfort, and timeless design. The new layout features premium Crystal Custom cabinetry with abundant drawers, integrated organizational systems, and dedicated zones for baking and healthy daily meal preparation.
This modernized space not only enhances function but also supports aging-in-place principles with thoughtful ergonomics and accessibility. By opening the kitchen to the dining room and family room, as well as connecting it visually and physically to the outdoor living area, the design achieves a seamless flow between interior and exterior transforming the way the homeowner experiences his home every day.
The Designers top project goals were,
- Improve the overall function of the overall home by expanding the space and opening it to the adjacent dining and family room. Installed LVL beams at three locations to provide structural support for larger open span and support for the 2nd floor.
- Specified high-performance appliances tailored to the client’s cooking style, including a Wolf induction range, Wolf steam oven, Wolf microwave, Sub-Zero 48” panel-ready refrigerator, and Cove dishwasher.
- Relocated sink plumbing and sewer lines to improve proximity to the main cooking area.
- Designed two distinct islands, one dedicated to daily food prep and another exclusively for baking.
- Created a new pantry positioned behind an oversized barn door along the staircase wall, combining functionality with a striking design feature.
Why Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove?
Our clients deserve premium-quality appliances that elevate both cooking performance and food preservation. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products were selected not only for their reliability and craftsmanship but also for the way they guided the overall kitchen design.
- Wolf Induction Range: Provides precision cooking and baking in a single location, influencing the placement of primary prep and cooking zones.
- Wolf Steam Oven: Serves as a second oven, perfect for baking and healthy steam cooking, inspiring a dedicated baking island nearby.
- Wolf Micro/Speed Oven: Offers versatility and efficiency, ideal for quick meals without compromising quality.
- 48″ Sub-Zero Refrigerator: Seamlessly integrated with walnut wood panels, setting the tone for a warm, elegant design while ensuring unmatched food preservation.
- Cove Dishwasher: Completes the suite with quiet, dependable performance, positioned to support both the prep and baking zones.
Together, these appliances became the cornerstone of the kitchen layout, ensuring that form and function work together for everyday living and entertaining
HOME OFFICE AND PRIMARY BEDROOM
Originally, the home office functioned as an extension of the primary bedroom, separated only by a large double-sided fireplace. The dual pass-through openings and oversized fireplace left limited usable space, making it difficult to create an efficient workspace with proper storage, display areas for the homeowner’s global travel mementos, and recognition of his many medical achievements.
The transformation reimagined this suite into a warm, sophisticated retreat that harmoniously blends comfort and functionality. The new design introduces ample built-in storage, curated display shelving, and a custom-designed desk to accommodate two computers.
The headboard wall now features a vertical wood slat accent with an integrated soffit concealing LED lighting, while the lower third of the wall is finished in a light wallpaper softly illuminated by an LED glow, creating a calm, intimate atmosphere. The fireplace wall has been redefined with a modern built-in bookcase that frames the fireplace, serving as a shared focal point between the bedroom and home office.
The result is a cohesive, contemporary environment that reflects refined simplicity and provides a comfortable, inspiring place to work and unwind.
PRIMARY BATHROOM
Although the bathroom had been recently remodeled, its heavy finishes and poor layout didn’t align with the client’s modern aesthetic or support aging-in-place needs. The large corner tub, framed by two bay windows, was both impractical and stylistically inconsistent, especially for a homeowner who preferred showers over baths.
The vision was to create a masculine, modern, and highly functional space centered around a spacious walk-in shower. The design incorporated separate floating vanities with generous storage, a tall linen cabinet with integrated hamper and adjustable shelving, and plumbing fixtures selected for ease of use, water efficiency, and strong performance. Natural light was carefully balanced with privacy through thoughtful window and lighting design.
The goal: a bathroom that is effortless to enjoy, simple to maintain, and truly reflective of the homeowner’s lifestyle, brought to life through custom cabinetry, clean lines, and a sophisticated minimalist palette.
BATHROOM CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Key challenges included relocating the shower to the former tub location and managing complex sewer and plumbing adjustments within a slab foundation.
Challenges:
- Coordinating sewer line relocation for the new shower within a post-tension slab foundation
- Adjusting the placement of a tankless water heater located behind one vanity, which interfered with the wall-mounted faucet
- Matching marble tile three months after the original order, an almost impossible task
Solutions:
- Conducted an E-Xray of the slab to precisely locate post-tension cables before concrete cutting
- Successfully repositioned the tankless water heater by 3″ to center the plumbing for the wall-mounted faucet
- Reimagined the marble layout by reversing the dark and light placement—using lighter stone on the perimeter walls of the water closet, resulting in a striking and elegant contrast
- Installed custom wall-mounted cabinetry by Crystal Custom Cabinetry
POWDER BATHROOM
The powder bath received a stylish yet efficient facelift to bring it in line with the home’s new modern aesthetic while embracing the principles of universal design.
A TOTO wall-mounted toilet was installed to maximize space, and the feature wall was clad in Iris Black Marble by Marble Systems, complete with an integrated shelf above the toilet for both function and flair. The floating vanity, crafted from quartz and paired with a TOTO vessel sink, is complemented by refined wallpaper, creating a bespoke, high-end look in a compact space.
We hope you will enjoy seeing this beautiful transformation as much as our client is enjoying his beautiful new home.
