Oakland Period Home Remodel

The homeowner loves the period details of her home but the original kitchen and only full bathroom were in dire need of a refresh. The goal was to preserve the character of the home while bringing in modern conveniences and making the most of the 2 critical spaces. The living room fireplace was also upgraded with a new gas insert and refreshed curved facade, and new furnishings including a rug, reupholstered sofas and stunning drapery fabrics to complete the room, with coordinated gold hardware echoing the new lighting throughout.

In the kitchen, a revised layout makes the most of the available space, adding an integrated subzero refrigerator and dishwasher and contrasting the creamy cabinetry with light green tone on tone tile and light quartz countertops. Abundant storage is packed with access solutions and a feature of decorative mullion glass cabinets with interior lighting serves as focal point. The durable porcelain floors tiles complement the refinished original wood floors, while adding more color. Gold finished hardware and lighting feel appropriate in the space. Period details, including the arched ceiling in the back kitchen and decorative molding were preserved, and the new window replacing the previous of a different size, feels original in the new layout.

The living room fireplace now sports a California vibe with Taj Mahal new hearth.While the room is neutral, the decorative elements pull from the client’s favorite palette to create a sophisticated inviting space.

In the bathroom, the minuscule shower reclaimed and unused angled alcove, now fully open to the room’s taller ceilings. Previously nonexistent storage is now maximized in the clever petite vanity cabinet and tall stacked unit by the soaking tub. Again the satin gold hardware complements the finishes. An arch top mirrored medicine cabinets features an interior outlet and is flanked by wall sconces. The whimsical wallpaper and coordinating tile combine to create a jewel-box feeling in the space. The shell-flecked floor and shower tile finish the selections.

Finally, more wallpaper is used in the lower level family room, contrasting the original wainscot repainted in a lighter color and additional recessed lighting to counteract the more limited natural light in the space.

Extensive Backyard Renovation

Project Year: 2023-2024
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94596

A Kitchen Bathed in Natural Light

This Alamo kitchen was designed with two walls of windows, above the countertop height, to maximize natural light, and the beautiful view to their yard. Without wall cabinets, the cabinet base organization was optimized. A pull out pantry supplements the fully organized walk-in pantry. Peg-dishware organizers are used liberally, a Super Susan, cutlery organizers, and deep drawers corral pots and pans, dishes, glassware, and utensils. Outlets were relocated to just below the countertops, between cabinetry units, and the large 45” workstation sink took center stage at the windows.     

Cambria countertops in two complimentary styles grace the large island and the surrounding perimeter cabinets, continuing up the wall around the range. Textured tiles are featured on the window wall up to the ceiling.  Custom cabinetry was dressed with scaled pulls. Built-in appliances feature a 48” SubZero refrigerator, 48” Wolf range and companion pro hood, paneled Miele dishwasher, paneled Monogram ice maker, Zephyr French door wine cooler, and Wolf transitional microwave drawer. 

The large glass pendants were selected for their scale and style to compliment the oversized island and mitigate the existing 8’ ceiling. An accessory sink in the island has quickly become a favorite feature for the clients, in close proximity to the refrigerator and range, it anchors the secondary work triangle. 

The design plan involved replacing a downdraft system in the original island with a pro hood on the pantry wall. This required understanding the structural details: floor and ceiling joist directions, duct size requirements, to secure the desired result.

Demo confirmed the absence of the existing cherry engineered flooring under the original island and peninsula. That flooring had been poorly refinished once and could no longer be procured. This resulted in a decision to update the flooring to wide-plank white oak, not only in the kitchen but throughout the entire lower level, the stairway that was originally carpeted, and the upstairs hallway.  The first video shows 3D visuals shared with clients as part of the planning for the project.

Project Year: 2024
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94507

Custom Home Remodel

A redesign of a traditional California rancher home, showcasing a new mid-century style throughout, complete with remodeled master bathroom, restyled fireplace, and fully renovated kitchen. The existing kitchen walls were removed to expand the kitchen footprint, creating cohesion between the kitchen and the dining room, creating a lavish entertainment space for all guests to enjoy.

Unique lighting is showcased in the kitchen, along with semi-handmade three-toned cabinetry doors in black, white, and oak. A porcelain countertop is pulled up to the backsplash, creating a stunning focal point for the hood and cooktop. Keeping a U-shaped perimeter, space that was dedicated to the dining room was reclaimed for the kitchen, and allowed the live-edge dining table to float in the middle of the space.

Creative storage solutions and unique features are found throughout: the dishwasher was cleverly clad with what appears to be a 3-drawer base cabinet, creating symmetry with all the hardware pulls along that wall. Storage solutions such as pull-out drawers, Lazy Susan's, and lift-up upper doors all provide enhanced functionality and aesthetics for the homeowners.

In the primary bathroom, the geometric tile that is featured draws the eye — though the true focal point here is the fun, invigorating lemon wallpaper. Black shiplap, white subway tile, and a clear black-framed shower glass door with gold hardware complete the gorgeous bathroom.

Project Year: 2020
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94595

Whole Home Transitional Renovation in Walnut Creek

This whole home renovation features an open concept layout with a newly updated kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, home office, flooring, lighting, foyer and porch —complete with custom art pieces throughout to finish off the spaces.

A large custom sectional anchors the living room with built-in cabinetry flanking a large electric fireplace encased in flecked wallpaper feature. Luxury vinyl plank flooring borders carpeting in main living space. A large folding door system opens the main living space to the deck and great view.

In the kitchen, built-in cabinetry flank the double pocket door to the den and an expandable glass table allows for seating for 10. The U-shaped kitchen with breakfast bar seating is complete with built-in appliances and gold toned glass pendants. Cambria quartz countertops and gold hardware complement the custom recessed-panel cabinetry and a glass mosaic backsplash in neutral tones. A skylight allows natural light to flood the space.

The entry way welcomes family and friends with a new contemporary door and opens to metallic wallpaper accentuating the curved walls in entry foyer.

In the large master bedroom, built-in storage and media unit leads to the closet and master bathroom, and space is complemented by the tray ceiling and modern chandelier.

The bathrooms continue the transitional light and airy themes with built-in custom white cabinetry –providing ample storage and improved functionality for the family. The showers feature a bench and 3D large format wall tile, glass mosaic backsplash and Cambria quartz countertops. Beige walls and accents, undermount sinks, hinged shower doors, a built-in vanity, and a solar tube for natural light complete the bathrooms.


The dual purpose home office is a cozy space in calming gray and green tones with custom hide a bed sofa and built-in cabinetry, providing a welcoming guest bedroom when needed. Custom Duolite Duette window shades dress the windows. A built-in transitional desk with glass-covered wood top is the focal point with new windows opening to the outdoor dining area. 


Finally, the gorgeous view is highlighted through the large folding door system that opens the main living space to the deck, and allows the view to be appreciated from all main rooms. The outdoor deck is completed with a finished beadboard ceiling roof extension, new windows, and new recessed and pendant lighting. The new seating area welcomes entertaining as well as the new dining space for 8.

Project Year: 2020
Project Cost: $$150,000 - $200,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94595

A Mid-Century Modern Marvel in Oakland

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Project Guru Designs in Walnut Creek, CA, 2023 Region 7 Southwest’s Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Entire House Under $250,000 category in its’ annual awards competition for this project.

This beautiful home renovation features a mid-century modern style throughout with touches of industrial design, unifying the spaces from the interior kitchen, dining, and baths to the exterior entryway. The spaces feel warm and inviting while maintaining a sleek appearance.

The kitchen features two-toned cabinetry in contrasts: a high-gloss white flat front style, and complimentary gorgeous walnut cabinets which enclose the pantry, built-in refrigerator, freezer, and wine column. The walnut is exceptional as it was custom designed in a continuous sheet so that the pattern matches top to bottom. Great storage solutions such as louvered-stay cupboards and pull-out appliance garages provide ease of access to everyday items. The oversized hardware makes quite the impression and allows for easy access to the all the cabinets.

In the powder room, the previous design was one large oversized room. It was reconfigured into two separate rooms, to give the clients a walk-in pantry and closet, and a perfectly-suited smaller sized powder room that showcases fun wallpaper and high-contrast in color.

Upstairs, the hall bath was reimagined to open up the space and make it feel larger and brighter, while greatly improving the design aesthetic. Storage was added in the hallway adjacent to the bathroom, and a non-functioning barn door was removed. Fun, graphic tiles were installed on the bathroom floor, with complimentary dark and light tones throughout the shower and vanity spaces. Storage was improved in the bathroom as well, with the vanity drawers and the addition of the lighted medicine cabinet.

Outside, the entryway received a facelift, with inspiration pulled from the fence to tie-in the wooden slats, giving a cohesive design. The entry’s functionality was improved as well by enclosing the underside of the deck above, allowing for protection from the elements upon entering the home.

Project Year: 2021
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94501

Kitchen and Great Room Renovation with Addition

This beautiful modern home renovation included an addition to create a very large kitchen, and transformed how our clients live day to day. Neutral tones were incorporated with whites and a continuing theme of black hardware throughout the connecting spaces: warmth is infused through the use of wood cabinetry and wooden trim. The large center island provides ample seating and a space for gathering while entertaining, and also functions as a large prep space during busy cooking times in the kitchen.

Storage abounds through the use of numerous drawers, cabinetry on the front and back of the island, and an appliance garage to hide small countertop devices. As such, a space that was originally designated as a pantry was cleverly repurposed with the addition of a skylight to provide a cozy nook sufficient for home office tasks.

The entry was reconfigured to provide a bit of a mudroom space, with room for coats and jackets. A welcoming bench gives a comfy perch to take off your shoes. As you continue in, a linear double-sided electric fireplace delineates the spaces as its own seating area with two comfortable chairs, while also providing connection and purpose from the entry to the kitchen, and is a nice cozy respite after our clients’ day. The decision was made to include some separation between the kitchen/entry space and the living room, with the use of the wall featuring the double-side fireplace. This allows for privacy, and game play or other social activities to occur on either side.

With this addition, the ceiling height proved to be a challenge, as it was necessary to tie in the addition with the existing roofline, and we wanted to maximize the feeling of height in the new kitchen space. There is a difference in height between the peak of the ceiling that we were able to achieve, and we used three new skylights to emphasize the feeling of climbing to that height; they helped with the balance of the room, and the spaciousness: keeping everything airy, light, and bright.

Project Year: 2022
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94598

 The original kitchen in this home was a dark, low-ceilinged, poorly lit room with dismal storage and failing appliances while adjacent rooms had towering vaulted ceilings. There was limited space for an addition and lot lines mandated an unusual angled new exterior wall for the new kitchen and office. Meticulous care was taken to create a warm and inviting space, including ample natural light via expansive windows. We seamlessly complemented the home’s expanded oak flooring with cherry cabinets, and balanced the tall elements with cream-painted cabinets and stainless appliances. Taking full advantage of dramatic ceiling lines, all the cabinets received accessible storage solutions, including blind corner kidney shelves and full height pullout pantries. Modern appliances, including an induction cooktop, smart wall ovens, double sinks, dishwasher and Pro refrigeration completed the package. Muted quartz countertops extended to the backsplash and were complimented with a marble mosaic feature at the cooktop. Extensive lighting, both with pendants and recessed lights allow for multiple layers of lighting. The contrast of materials helps to delineate the dining area from the kitchen and completes a perfect entertaining space. Similar choices in the new office continue the airy feel.

Project rendering

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Award Winning Whole Home Renovation and Addition

A young family purchased the home with the intention of doing a full remodel before moving in. They worked with us via a design build firm for the first phase of the project: kitchen design and remodel but decided to hire her father—a retired contractor—for the rest of the remodel.

When they found out they were expecting a third child, we explored the option of adding a fourth bedroom and powder room, but they finally settled on a layout that included a master suite addition at the back with wet-room and access to the yard, an enlarged front bedroom, added laundry room, larger kids bath and a front porch addition. All windows and doors were replaced, the access to the garage was modified, the back of the family room was rebuilt for structural reasons and its ceiling was insulated, and new lighting installed.

This project faced huge hurdles through permitting and construction at the height of the COVID pandemic, with a contractor unused to electronic procedures and patchy staffing, which caused huge delays and skyrocketing costs. So much so that they decided to sell the home at final completion.

Project Year: 2022
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94563

Blue Cottage Kitchen

A charming remodel of the kitchen, dining room, and attached eat-in nook of a Walnut Creek home. The blue cottage style was developed with custom colored cabinetry, repeated blue elements throughout, and a backsplash feature behind the range. The lovely backsplash motif has become a focal point that is visible in all three rooms. The style correlates with the other formal and vintage finishes in the client's home, and provides a nice sense of flow and cohesion room-to-room.

For the flooring, porcelain tile was laid on the diagonal to increase the feeling of space. Extending the bay window and removing the previous soffit transformed the kitchen by providing additional natural light, a grander feeling of space, and additional countertop surface. Keeping lighter colors at eye level enhances a bright, spacious feeling. Custom performance fabric upholstery was used in the dining room. To enhance the cottage, farmhouse feel, furniture feet were used on the cabinetry.

Project Year: 2020
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94595

Two Toned Walnut Kitchen and Fireplace Refresh

Inspired by a family heirloom walnut furniture piece, this project took on a life of its own with beautiful new two-toned walnut cabinetry in the kitchen, enhanced by mosaic tile and the addition of warm tones throughout. Coupled with fun and functional features such as an appliance garage, hidden storage solutions, and additional natural light flowing in through the bay window, the space now feels inviting and cohesive. The style bridges traditional and transitional and perfectly complements the inspiration piece of the heirloom table.

Furthering the warm walnut tones, cladding was added around the fireplace. Stacked stone creates a stunning focal point for the fireplace, visible from the newly remodeled kitchen.

Project Year: 2020
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94595

Custom Kitchen, Bathrooms and In Law Unit in Berkeley

This whole house project featured semi-custom cabinetry in the kitchen, wet room makeover to a bathroom, breathtaking tile selections and a completely reinvented In Law Unit.

In the kitchen, Johanne created a space efficient new layout with semi custom cabinet in White and Hale Navy, offset by stylish yet practical Quartzite countertops, ocean blue elongated backsplash tile and a gorgeous Viking range in white. The island unit combined storage and dining options, perfect for busy family life and entertaining friends.

In the Master bathroom, a beautiful soaker tub was set under the skylight and was showcased against a backdrop of vertical pencil mosaic tile in azure blue tones. Two shower fixtures were set on each side of the wet room space, with the whole area screened off by a full width clear glass shower door. Wall and floor tiles in white marble tones kept the space serene and spa like, and the double width undermount sink set under a granite countertop with matching tile backsplash finished off the look.

In the Guest bathroom, floor to ceiling white tile with a wide black band gave a dramatic feel and drew the eye into the space, while a elegant wood vanity with marble counter completed the traditional feel. A eye-catching patterned tile on the floor gave a dash of character and gave the room a welcoming warmth.

In the In Law unit, white gloss kitchen cabinetry and white quartzite counters brought lots of light to the space, while the fresh green backsplash tile kept the look from feeling sterile. The peninsula layout allowed Johanne to add a breakfast bar for the guests to use as a dining space.

In the bathroom, wide white vanity drawers drew the eye and extended the feel of spaciousness, while clear glass shower doors on rolling hardware made accessing the bath / shower combination easy. The shower walls were tiled in a combination of white mosaic and a pencil mosaic in dove gray tones, giving a calmness to the area. The use of a stacking washer dryer made best use of a niche in the bathroom and added laundry facilities without compromising the layout.

Project Year: 2019
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94707

Award Winning Master Bathroom Newark CA

The homeowner was widowed and looking for a space that provided a uplifting sense of peace and sanctuary, an in home retreat. Her existing floor plan no longer worked for her needs, with two small bathrooms and a spare bedroom rarely used. 

Contractor Fred Chapman of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen Bay Area brought Johanne on board to partner on the design solution, and working closely with the client, mapped out a variety of possible options. Once they had assessed the existing floor plan and layout, they decided on a light, elegant airy design that transformed two barely used bathrooms into a spacious closet, and a neglected bedroom into a new, spa-like bathroom. 

Luxury vinyl flooring adds warmth and practicality, blue walls add serenity. Storage space was expanded with large storage cabinets on both ends of the marble countertop. The homeowner loves her luxury bathtub with a sliding shelf for a glass and candle, letting her relax and unwind at the end of the day. Details like the reclaimed door to the bedroom, pendant light over the counter and sliding barn door add interest and originality to the space, while the folding shower seat, ample storage and low entry threshold shower gives sustainable practicality.

Project Year: 2017
Project Cost: $75,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94560

Breathtaking White Kitchen Transformation in Alamo

Alamo CA

An awkward angled wall and peninsula were removed and the ceiling vaulted in this large kitchen, resulting in an open expansive feeling of space, where the prior kitchen felt cramped and boxed in. The cabinetry style, finishes and colors were aligned with the rest of the home. A custom lighting solution was devised for the 12' island, and skylights were added to maximize natural light. A neutral color palette blends textures for a timeless look. As part of the project, the adjacent laundry room and powder room were also refurbished. 

Project Year: 2017
Project Cost: $150,001 - $200,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94507

Award winning modern rustic home remodel

Walnut Creek, CA

Project Guru was 2017 NARI Bay area remodeling awards winner for this project. See the transformation here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7OrzOccr-E. The kitchen remodel was central to the project while the modern new staircase, entry door and home office barn door established a modern vibe. While the overall palette is in cool tones, vibrant jewel tones inject fresh energy.

Project Year: 2017
Project Cost: $150,001 - $200,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94596
Others who worked on this project: All Things Interior, Bellmont Cabinet Co.

Master Suite Bedroom & Bathroom Remodel

Pleasanton, CA

Award-winning master suite features a barn door transition, built-in closet and cove lighting for vaulted ceiling and massive level-entry shower. Modern custom cabinetry features all-drawer vanity cabinet.

Project Year: 2017

Project Cost: $100,001 - $150,000

Country: United States

Zip Code: 94566

Others who worked on this project: Gordon Reese Design Build

Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel

Alamo, CA

Large Alamo kitchen layout was modified to accommodate a large custom seating island with second sink, wine refrigerator and seating for six.

Project Year: 2009

Project Cost: $50,001 - $75,000

Country: United States

Moraga CA 1960s to 2016 Kitchen & Living Space Renovation

Moraga CA.

Poorly configured Moraga kitchen gets complete remodel as the entire house gets new hardware distressed flooring and the facade gets a new front door, and the entire interior gets painted.

Project Year: 2016

Project Cost: $150,001 - $200,000

Country: United States

Zip Code: 94556

Others who worked on this project: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Bay Area, Showplace Wood Products

Budget Kid's Bathroom Remodel

concord CA.

Resilient materials and maximized closed storage should keep this young kid's bathroom fresh and organized for many years to come. the The existing footprint was kept from the original bathroom for this Jack and Jill kid's bathroom to keep within budget.

Space was created behind closed doors for electric toothbrushes and hairdryers to help keep this busy space orderly. Dated finishes were replaced to maximize the storage in this bathroom. The vanity tops were left lower to accommodate younger users and both vanity bases were inverted to add a full drawer at the bottom

Country: United States

Others who worked on this project: Showplace Wood Products, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Bay Area

Tiny Kitchen Transformation

Pleasanton CA.

Removing a divider wall and transforming a tiny L-shaped kitchen into a large U kitchen with island open to the den transformed the core of this home. White perimeter cabinets contrast with dark-stained Eucalyptus island in new U-shaped configuration. Island is 2-tiered, with room for 2 bar stools, bamboo floor continues into the dining and den space.

Feature backsplash incorporates large porcelain subway tile and rustic ceramic mosaic: detail is continued through the kitchen and at the full height of the hood. The 3-drawer configuration under the cooktop allows for ample space for pots and pans, while a tall custom diagonal corner pantry with 4 rotating wood trays and top fixed shelves maximizes the newly acquired space.

Project Year: 2015

Zip Code: 94566

Light Filled East Bay Family Kitchen & Bath Remodel

This whole home makeover featured Ikea cabinetry in the kitchen, with Semi Handmade doors to give a sleek custom look on a tight budget. A subway tile backsplash stretched the length of the cabinets, with a beautiful patterned porcelain tile accent behind the stovetop.

In the kitchen, Johanne created a space efficient new layout with white perimeter cabinets and and a navy island, topped by clean and hardwearing Calcatta Eternal Quartzite countertops. The island unit combined storage and bar height dining, perfect for their busy family life.

In the bathrooms, the themes of white and gray-blue cabinets paired with pattered floor tile gives a warm, welcoming feel and invites you to enter and relax, while the sparkling white wall tiles and clean lines of the glass shower enclosure keep the space feeling light and clean.

Outside, pattered tile elevated a previously drab patio area, and the front porch featured the same design.

Project Year: 2019
Project Cost: $100-150,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94598

Light and Bright Updates Bring This Kitchen & Bathroom To Life

This wonderful condo perched high in the Lafayette hills had breath taking views over the surrounding countryside but was looking tired and dated. The client wanted to update the look without committing to the expense and upheaval of a full remodel, so we worked together to create maximum impact while working both within her budget and tight timeframe.

Johanne worked closely with the contractor to see whether we had the potential to create a raised ceiling that could house new dimmable can lights. Once she knew that was possible, she created a new lighting layout that brought even, warm lighting to the whole space.

New Caesarstone countertops replaced the dated and impractical tile and drew the eye to the beautiful tones of the metallic mosaic tile backsplash. New power outlets, switches and wall plates completed the updates at the work surface level, and new paint provided the final touches.

In the bathrooms, Johanne brought in lighted mirrors to bring both light and a contemporary elegance to the space. Pale Caesarstone counters and white undermount sinks and new faucets updated the existing vanity cabinets, and the replacement dimmable recessed lighting showcased the changes.

Project Year: 2018
Project Cost: $10 - 25,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 94549