Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography

Hand-forged and pounded into perfection, these pine cones and bough provide just the accents needed to capture the eye. Acid brushing the copper pine needles gave them just the hint of patina they needed to take the finish to next level! Custom metal staircase stringers, handrails, balcony guardrails, and metal fabrication provided by; Todd Miller-blacksmith artisan. Great job!

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts balcony in Seattle with a roof extension and wood railing.

Design ideas for an arts and crafts balcony in DC Metro with wood railing.

Design ideas for a large arts and crafts balcony in Seattle with wood railing.

Spacious second-floor balcony in Philadelphia with square columns and white railing.
Photo of a large arts and crafts balcony in Philadelphia with a roof extension and wood railing.

View from kitchen of the 16' accordion glass doors leading onto the balcony patio/deck on top of the garage.
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts balcony in Other with no cover and cable railing.

The design was primarily focused on matching the character of the existing home. This is achieved with lower level siding, windows, and trim details that match the main residence. The upper loft and shop storage level design is divergent in the use of vertical board and batt siding, a slight color change, and the use of the shed roof. This shop/art studio has the right amount of design difference to be distinctive but retains siding and color tones that are appropriate in comparison to the existing home.

This stunning waterfront property in Annapolis was built to fulfill a newly retired couple’s vision of a dream home. After a complete gut from the ground up, our team finished a custom design and rebuild of this three-story home including a detached two-car garage on the property. The owners say two of their favorite parts of their new oasis is the natural light that comes through the many windows and of course, being able to enjoy their sailboat parked on the water just a few steps away. We were honored to win Best Exterior Use of Color for Baltimore Magazine's Home & Design Awards for this project!

Owner's unit balcony/entry.
Inspiration for a small arts and crafts balcony for for apartments in Other with a roof extension and metal railing.

Design ideas for a large arts and crafts balcony in Other with metal railing.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

This is an example of a large arts and crafts balcony in New York with no cover and cable railing.

Photo of a large arts and crafts balcony in Seattle with wood railing.

Antler Hill Yoke Mount by Biltmore Gas Hanging Yoke Mount Black Finish
This is an example of an arts and crafts balcony in Houston with a roof extension and metal railing.

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts balcony in Philadelphia with a roof extension and metal railing.

Outdoor seating area on the porch.
Design ideas for an arts and crafts balcony in Seattle with a roof extension and wood railing.

Mid-sized arts and crafts balcony in Chicago with no cover and wood railing.

Terrasse en douglas avec garde corps
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts balcony in Other with no cover, wood railing and with privacy feature.