Nearly 17 years ago, our clients were lucky enough to find a new, custom house on over 3 acres that had been well built, but not exactly designed to their specific taste. After extensive outdoor landscaping and an unexpected leak in the basement which caused damage to the carpeting, it was a propitious opportunity to design the lower level. The goal was to create an open space where the family could entertain friends, listen to music, watch sports, play games and have a private oasis for short-term guests.

Updating your fireplace and surround can completely change the style of a room. The first in our fireplace update series is one of the most dramatic we have completed. 

Our clients are most comfortable living in a modern home. So, when they purchased a traditional style home, one of the first steps was to install wide plank, dark hardwood floors on the main and upper levels, paint the handrail and balusters, and install new stairs. Despite these changes, the traditional brown brick fireplace was the first design element visible as soon as you walked into the home.