A Fast and Festive Photo Shoot

The photo shoot happened directly after a company meeting, which kept everyone in one place and ready to go. Instead of elaborate staging or multiple locations, we gathered in the basement of Hollywood Manor against a plain white wall. It was fast—shockingly fast.

We piled in winter coats, luggage props, and as much personality as the frame could handle. People leaned, posed, and smirked. Attitude carried the concept. We took roughly ten photos in total and blended the best shots into one final composition. Two team members missed the shoot, so we Photoshopped them in later. Because the scene already resembled controlled chaos, the edit fit naturally.

This poster was a refreshing change from our previous straight-faced, dramatic concepts. We wanted fun, we wanted smiles and we wanted something that felt like peppermint and mischief, not stoic seriousness.

Winter Fest, Rooftops, and Woodinville Magic

Woodinville rooftops are having a moment. New buildings feature rooftop decks. Events happen in elevated spaces. The city lights glow from above during winter. A rooftop theme made perfect sense.

Because Winter Fest takes place the same evening, the celebration feels bigger than one event. It becomes part of a city-wide moment. People will gather for the parade below, while we celebrate above—warm, festive, and surrounded by community.

This poster marks a shift in timing as well. In previous years, we released posters after winter as a vendor appreciation reveal. This time, we flipped the script and chose a holiday-forward launch. It feels fresh, seasonal, and spirited.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

Every annual poster becomes a marker in our ongoing story. Some years go “in theater,” others go “backstage,” “in clubhouse,” or even “interstellar.” This year we went rooftop and puts Tenhulzen Residential “In Community.”

Next year’s design may become whimsical, underground, outer space, or something entirely new. We never know until inspiration finds us. What matters most is that each poster celebrates people—the crew, the partners, the ones who make homes become dream homes.

Unaccompanied Minors reminds us to enjoy the process. To laugh, to gather and to celebrate the work we do and the people we do it with.

And as the rooftop fills with cheer during Winter Fest, we know one thing for certain:

The tradition continues—and the next story is already waiting to be created.

This year’s A.V.A.T.A.R. award recipents

Vendor of the Year:  Plywood Supply Inc. | Molly Oberndorf

Trade Contractor of the Year:  Hill-Pierce Electric LLC | Eric Pierce & Sherri Torrenga

Customer Service:  Even Flo Heating and Air Conditioning | Alan & Angela Puerschner

Creative Solution:  Lane Hardwood Floor LLC | Jeff Lane & Brad Greco

Reliable Service:  Urban Cabinets Company | Michael & Tammy Alford

Memorable Moment:  Jim’s Flooring Services | James Eggerling Jr.

Safety:  Tenhulzen Residential LLC | Marvin Avera  

Specialty Tile on a Budget

Creating a Luxurious Shower Space

I’m thrilled to share a recent project that truly showcases the power of design and creativity. We recently completed a project for a client who wanted to

transform their bathtub and small shower into a spacious, luxurious shower space. The goal was to create an impact without breaking the budget. And let me tell you, we achieved just that!

Unveiling the Specialty Tile

The key to making a big impact without a big budget? Specialty tiles! When I presented a stunning marble tile to the clients, they were blown away. The intricate and beautiful design captured their hearts, and rightly so. However, we had to ensure that this extravagant tile fit within the budget constraints. This is where my role as a designer truly comes into play.

design game for this shower project. The end result is a luxurious, visually stunning shower space that embodies elegance and sophistication without breaking the bank.

This project serves as a testament to the fact that with the right design approach and a keen eye for detail, it’s possible to achieve remarkable transformations within budgetary constraints. The next time you’re considering a remodel or renovation, don’t overlook the potential of specialty tiles to revolutionize your space. Remember, a little creativity can go a long way in creating a truly breathtaking and budget-conscious design.

A Kitchen Backsplash Like No Other

The Art of Custom Tile Design

Not every remodel begins with cabinets or countertops. Sometimes, the heart of a kitchen transformation lives in the smallest details—like tile.

For this Craftsman home, the homeowners knew that nothing “off the rack” would do. The backsplash needed to feel special, timeless, and perfectly in sync with the home’s character. That’s where our designer, Ronda Lane, stepped in—ready to obsess over every color, cut, and placement.

Realizing That Standard Options Wouldn’t Work

At first, the search focused on showrooms and samples. But it became clear that nothing pre-made could capture the Craftsman look the homeowners envisioned.

The request was simple in words but complex in execution: create a backsplash that complemented the warm countertops, echoed the copper details, and introduced texture without overwhelming the space.

The only solution? Custom tile.

Designing a Custom Puzzle

The tiles were handmade and ordered to specification. Each piece carried unique variations in texture and tone. That meant they couldn’t simply be installed straight from the box.

Ronda began by sketching layouts, mapping color placement by hand. Hours went into drawing, shifting, and reimagining until the design felt balanced. Once the tile arrived, the real work began.

Every tile was laid out on the kitchen counter, transformed into a giant puzzle. Colors were shuffled to ensure no two similar tones touched. Little pinecone-shaped accent tiles were chosen in a warm copper hue to tie in with the home’s finishes.

Collaboration with the Homeowners

What made this backsplash even more special was the hands-on involvement of the homeowners.

After Ronda spent nearly five hours arranging pieces on-site, the homeowners continued the process themselves. They shifted tiles, adjusted colors, and fine-tuned the layout late into the evening. They weren’t just approving the design—they were part of it.

Their involvement meant the backsplash reflected not only professional craftsmanship but also personal pride.

Preparing for the Tile Setter

Tile installers are skilled, but this pattern was unlike anything they usually encounter. To set him up for success, Ronda and the homeowners left the full backsplash laid out on the counters.

Instead of relying only on drawings, the setter could see the exact arrangement in real time. It turned what might have been a stressful, complex install into a smooth process. The setter was thrilled—and the installation went quickly and beautifully.

Hours of Work, A Lifetime of Beauty

The backsplash took weeks of planning and hours of hands-on arranging. Ronda spent time at home drafting and color-mapping before ever setting foot on-site. She billed countless hours, but the homeowners understood: the detail was worth it.

The end result was breathtaking. The handmade ceramic tile carried all the rustic charm of Craftsman style, the custom copper accents shimmered with warmth, and the carefully balanced colors gave the kitchen harmony.

Why This Project Stands Out

Even among large-scale remodels, this backsplash remains one of Ronda’s proudest design accomplishments. It was more than just tile—it was a collaboration of creativity, patience, and precision.

By choosing a fully custom approach, the homeowners gained something no catalog could offer: a backsplash that is both functional art and a true reflection of their home.

We believe the smallest details often create the biggest impact. And in this kitchen, the tile told the whole story.  To discover how Tenhulzen Residential, incorporated the kitchen and primary bathroom together for this home check out “Crafting a Dream.”  

Building Space, Preserving Flow

A Remodel Designed Around Life

Sometimes, a remodel isn’t just about adding square footage.
It’s about creating room for life to happen—comfortably and beautifully.

For this family, timing mattered. With a toddler underfoot and another baby on the way, they needed a home that worked harder. Tenhulzen Residential listened closely, planned carefully, and delivered a remodel that gave them space, flow, and features tailored to how they live every day.

Expanding Up and Out

This wasn’t a light refresh.
We bumped out the main floor and added a second story, creating entirely new spaces.

The upstairs addition became a versatile bonus room—ready to adapt as the children grow. On the main floor, we expanded the footprint to build a larger home office, turning a once-small bedroom into a functional, light-filled workspace.

Redefining the Entryway

Before, the front door opened into a cramped corner. Guests crowded into a narrow hall that funneled into the kitchen.

By extending the entry, we created a space that welcomes instead of bottlenecks. Now, guests can enter, mingle, and take in the home without stepping on each other’s toes.

We included a custom open entry mudroom with built-in cabinetry for coats, a storage bench for shoes, and shelving that feels intentional. It’s practical, polished, and perfectly placed.

A Gathering Place for Entertaining

This family loves wine, and their new entry space reflects it. We designed a built-in bar with two wine fridges, dedicated wine storage, and an eye-catching backsplash. The tile is a perfect example of using premium materials in a small area for maximum impact.

A floating wood shelf matches the cabinetry, while the quartz countertop—identical to the one in their kitchen—ties the spaces together. The bar sits just steps from the living and dining rooms, turning the entry into an extension of their entertaining space.

Seamless Integration with the Existing Home

We didn’t touch the kitchen, but we honored its design. Matching the quartz countertop and cabinetry finishes ensured the new bar felt original to the house.

That attention to detail carries throughout the remodel. From stains and textures to tile placement, every choice was deliberate. The goal: make the new spaces feel like they’ve always been there.

Function Meets Comfort

The expanded office offers room for creativity and productivity. The new bonus room upstairs gives the family flexibility—whether it’s a playroom, media space, or guest area.

And the mudroom’s storage bench isn’t just a nice touch—it’s a detail born from real-life need. As our team says, if you want guests to take off their shoes, give them somewhere comfortable to sit.

A Remodel Designed Around Real Life

This project was about more than building walls and adding rooms. It was about listening—understanding how a young, growing family moves through their home.

We delivered a design that opens the floor plan, creates storage where it’s needed most, and adds beauty without sacrificing practicality. Every decision—whether it was matching a countertop or selecting just the right backsplash—was made with their lifestyle in mind.

The result? A home that feels bigger, brighter, and ready for everything their family’s next chapter will bring.

How Tenhulzen Residential Brought One Vision to Life

Some projects stand out because of their scale.
This one stands out because of its soul.

From the start, our clients had a clear vision: bring their master bath and connected spaces up to the elegance of their gorgeous Craftsman home—without losing the character that made it special. We listened closely, pored over details, and honored every request. The result? A remodel that feels original to the home, yet elevated in every way.

Preserving What Matters Most

The master bath had one striking feature our clients refused to lose—a hand-painted wall treatment that looked like wallpaper. Its artistry was irreplaceable. Our team worked with extreme precision, ensuring no cuts, marks, or changes touched it.

The cabinetry was another must-keep. Instead of replacing the vanity, we refinished and paired it with a new countertop. In the water closet, we designed a custom, floor-to-ceiling cabinet—stained to perfectly match the vanity and trim—adding much-needed storage while blending seamlessly into the space.

Sourcing the Unfindable

Our clients had one non-negotiable: no white plumbing fixtures. Finding a beautiful, non-white bathtub was a challenge—until we remembered Native Trails’ stunning concrete tubs. We arranged for samples, and the moment they saw the textured concrete, they were sold. We paired the tub with breathtaking copper sinks that echoed the warmth of the home’s woodwork.

Every selection was intentional: wood, stone, glass, and natural textures to honor the Craftsman style. From the rain-glass shower panel to the pebble “river” skirting the vanity, each choice added depth without overwhelming the room.

Harmony in the Kitchen

In the kitchen, the request was simple: update the look without losing the cabinetry’s warmth. We sourced a porcelain countertop slab rich with rust and green tones—echoing the home’s copper accents.

The backsplash design was another exercise in precision. Handmade ceramic tiles, with uneven textures that mimic stone, tied the colors of the countertop into a truly Craftsman aesthetic. We coordinated these tiles with the range hood surround and the new custom-built wine bar, replacing an outdated desk nook.

A Puzzle of Tile and Patience

The backsplash in the kitchen became a passion project. Our client wanted it to be unique, tactile, and unmistakably Craftsman. That meant custom tile—cut to order—with a design that required careful mapping.

We spent hours laying each tile piece on the countertop, shifting colors until no two matching shades touched. The homeowners joined in, adding their touch to the pattern. This collaboration turned a complex puzzle into a personal statement piece. The tile setter’s job was easy—every piece had been perfectly planned in advance.

A Story Within the Story: Discover the Tilework Behind the Remodel

It’s worth noting that this remodel’s kitchen tilework was so unique, it earned its own spotlight. We dedicated a full blog to the backsplash design process—The Art of Custom Tile Design. If you’d like to see the step-by-step journey of how this one-of-a-kind tile project came to life, click here to read more.

Storage with Style

The remodel extended beyond the main living spaces. In the laundry room, we created cabinetry that matched the home’s millwork, complete with a clever cutout for a robotic cat litter box. The space was practical yet polished, with porcelain tile floors, a built-in bench, and a countertop over the washer and dryer for folding and storage.

Small details mattered here too—matching laminate panels, careful stain work, and thoughtful placement transformed a purely functional area into a seamless extension of the home’s design.

Balancing Luxury and Practicality

Not every surface needed to be high-end. In the laundry room, we opted for a durable plastic laminate countertop. It was budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and perfectly suited for the space. This balance between luxury and practicality allowed us to invest in statement areas—like the $9,000 handmade tile backsplash—where the impact would be most felt.

Listening Makes All the Difference

What made this project truly special was how involved the homeowners were in the process. They brought ideas, gave feedback, and even spent hours arranging tile patterns. We matched every stain, measured every backplate, and sourced every finish with their vision in mind.

It wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing it right. Every decision—big or small—was deliberate, collaborative, and tied back to the heart of the home.

The End Result

Today, the master bath, kitchen, and laundry room feel like they’ve always belonged to this home. The transitions are seamless. The craftsmanship is precise. The details are unforgettable.

This remodel is proof that when you listen deeply, respect the existing beauty, and obsess over the little things, you don’t just renovate a house.
You elevate a home.