Solar Wind Designs

Aug 2017

The challenge with this project was to add a new era-sensitive upstairs bathroom and transform the downstairs double bath in an early 20th century NC farmhouse. We updated the baths with 21st century style and materials with keeping the farmhouse aesthetic in the details. Downstairs Double-bath Remodel: While the farmhouse inspired the room’s bead board chair rail, farmhouse utility inspired making its trim a continuous useable shelf throughout the room. The idea of utility came into play again in the custom moveable shelving system we created to hide the water heater while still allowing access when necessary. We designed a roomy shower space, tiled floor to ceiling in vintage penny tile with a Grohe rainshower system, a rain glass panel wall and a rain glass shower window to maximize the benefits of the natural light through single bathroom window. True to the house’s heritage we also installed a claw foot soaking tub (made with modern light weight resin) and 20th C. farmhouse inspired faucets and vanity light, and a pedestal sink. Above the soaking tub and it’s tiled roman faucet half wall we designed built in cubbies for towels etc. and a custom shelf reachable while in the bath tub. We took space from a closet on the other side of the original bath wall to fit in the soaking tub area. Utilizing the space to the maximum degree, we also made the space between the shower and bath tub a built-in linen closet. The vintage floor tile (patterned in the 1920’s) is our age-appropriate statement piece. We also sourced vintage half light solid wood doors. In one, to again utilize the natural light coming from the exterior bedroom windows and the bathroom window, we created the half light by cutting out a solid door and installing satin finished glass. In the other we sourced vintage “crackle glass” film and placed it on both sides of the existing glass panels. Upstairs Bathroom Addition: To create the space to add a bathroom in an upstairs corner, we annexed a portion of the attic, created a new doorway, and added two walls with the corner clipped at a 45 degree angle to enhance the flow of the surrounding room. The white mosaic-tiled full size shower was placed on the wall with the 45 degree corner so that it became a shower feature that we then emphasized by accenting it with a vertical swath of the vintage floor tile. A pebble shower floor ties the black and white theme together. A farmhouse inspired faucet, vanity light and pedestal sink keep it era-appropriate while the rainglass shower panel wall and Grohe rainshower system provide modern style and functionality.

$31k

Graham, NC

Dec 2016

We worked with an architect to create the plans for this cabin that SWD then built from the ground up. From the very first concept meetings this cabin was meant to feature customized artistic elements that would make it a unique building project. We recovered and reused weathered boards from the barn on this historic property in the design and creation of all the wood mosaic sliding barn doors on the interior. We re-purposed the original 1925 farmhouse oven to create the fully-customized bathroom vanity, making the former oven area into linen storage and the former gas cooktop area into the sink. The kitchen cabinets were painted to harmonize with the mosaic barn wood doors on either side and the glass mosaic tile backsplash completes the look. #1 pine boards cover the interior walls up through the raised "great room" ceiling. Two pine bedrooms flank the bathroom that features a tile mosaic in the shower. We worked within our client's budget so that the small footprint of this cabin (584 sq/ft.) would feel like a large space by incorporating smart designs for a compact space. The exterior of the cabin was also carefully and creatively planned. The custom-made details of the aesthetic window awnings match the porch's custom-made filligree details and the bases of the exterior sconce lights. Contrasting colored wood trim surrounds the large main windows, full light doors and hexagonal upper windows. The porch is sized large enough for lounging and exterior ceiling fans keep it cool in the summer months.

$128k

Graham, NC

Feb 2016

This demolition and rebuild project involved removing a 60’ long manufactured home, that was entombed in the house, and rebuilding the interior supports, including concrete footings. We reframed approximately 65% of the floor system, installed new sub-flooring and new hardwood floors. We installed new interior sheathing (sheetrock), a new HVAC system, sealed and installed crawlspace, painted the exterior, and installed underground drainage and new gutter systems. As part of the full interior design, we built one new full bath and a complete kitchen.

$179k

Staley, NC

Jul 2015

Before this full kitchen expansion/remodel our clients had a very tight, roughly 92 sq./ft. galley kitchen with a standard size door opening at the far left and a single window in the facing wall. The kitchen couldn’t accommodate more than one person comfortably and felt a little dated and dark, even with a large overhead fluorescent fixture. To begin, we doubled the size of the entry into the whole dining room/kitchen area by taking out 3’ of the entryway wall, opening up the space to the rest of the house. We (SWD) knocked out the wall facing the dining room and expanded the kitchen by about 30 sq./ft by moving the stairs to the living room to the right and adding a 2-sided functional peninsula (complete with a range and wine racks) in place of the wall. One end of the peninsula T’s into a counter facing the gorgeous living room view of the surrounding woods. We stretched our design skills to the max to create a design with a significant amount of additional storage cabinets and more conveniently placed all-new appliances, while keeping a very open feel. The natural shaker vertical and stacked horizontal cabinets are contrasted with the dark Verde Peacock granite countertops creating a modern and clean, yet timeless look. The continuous backsplash of khaki glass subway tiles tie the soft and hard elements together. We replaced the dated fluorescent overhead light with an energy efficient LED whose curved glass and stainless steel elements mimic the range hood, and added super-slim dimmable under counter LED lighting. This kitchen now provides our clients with maximum function and style from a size-challenged space.

$49k

Chapel Hill, NC

Jan 2015

Working with the fabulous home owners SWD brought this sunny and sumptuous loft from an empty “white box” to what you see here! Including: The GREAT ROOM'S built-in window seat and custom door with glass bricks, MASTER BEDROOM with viewing platform with enclosed storage underneath, curved walk-in closet, freestanding closet and port hole, full MASTER BATH and 2 GUEST BATH design and full KITCHEN DESIGN.

$110k

Saxapahaw, NC

Dec 2014

Working with the fabulous home owners SWD brought this sunny and sumptuous loft from an empty “white box” to what you see here! COST UNDISCLOSED.

$100k

Saxapahaw, NC

Aug 2017

Our clients had one unusual priority for this kitchen remodel. They wanted a literal “catwalk” spanning the top of the entire kitchen that their 3 cats could enjoy. This dictated that the kitchen cabinets could not be more than 30” tall to make the catwalk functional. We added decorative upper shelving between cabinets to create a continuous walk way for the cats. In addition, to better utilize space and open up a major pinch point between multiple doors we integrated angled upper and lower end cabinets. It has been noted by everyone using this new kitchen space that the thoughtful cabinet design makes the entire kitchen space feels much larger. Continuing the flow of the existing flooring in the adjoining room and to provide warmth and solidity, red oak hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen. To coordinate with the Cabernet colored shaker cabinets we chose an unusual “Gialllo Ornamental” granite pattern and the effect was stunning. To complete the look we installed a buff subway tile backsplash with a gorgeous crackled glass accent. Because our client wash and prepare a lot of veggies, an extra deep stainless steel 60/40 double sink and faucet with pull-down sprayer were great additions.

Durham, NC