Historic Kitchen Remodel:

When working with a historic home, updates are important — but preserving the original feel, look, and atmosphere is paramount. For homes listed on historic registers, maintaining the appearance of the original spaces is often required. In this kitchen renovation, the builder and their in‑house architect carefully recreated the original cabinetry pattern and aesthetic while discreetly integrating modern hardware and mechanisms.

The team matched profiles, moldings, and finishes so the new work reads as period correct. Modern hinges, pulls, and soft‑closing devices were selected and installed in a way that preserves sightlines and proportions, keeping the visual integrity intact while improving function and longevity. The result is a kitchen that retains its original charm and character — the organ-like rhythm and detailing remain, but the space now performs to contemporary standards.

Achieving this balance is not easy, but it’s well worth the effort: the updated kitchen feels authentic and lived‑in, yet benefits from the ease and reliability of modern fittings. More to come.



Detail Shots:

While an overview image communicates the scope of a project, tighter detail shots often matter more to the artisan. Close images reveal the subtle joinery, finish work, and material transitions that can be lost in a wide-angle view. They celebrate the craftsmanship in fine cabinetry, custom woodworking, flooring, and interior finishes — the things that define quality and character.

Below are detail samples from a remodel by Orren Pickell. What began as a modest mid-century home has been updated throughout while retaining a warm, comfortable feel. These images focus on the precision of millwork, the texture of materials, and the thoughtful design choices that make the space feel both modern and lived-in.

More images from this project coming soon.







Northwoods Interior Living Room:

This modern architecture combined traditional elements like Spanish door arches, large stone fireplace and solid hard wood plank flooring.  Here the living room and den are displayed with the huge angled ceiling beams, which ties in nicely with the surrounding wooded lot easily seen from the huge picture window.  A flowing three story wood and iron staircase anchors the home.  More to come,

To see more of our work, or to schedule a photo shoot please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com






Northwoods Wisconsin -

Master Architect Nate Kipnis designed this extraordinary home tucked deep in the Northwoods of upstate, Wisconsin. The result is a striking fusion of modern architecture and responsible, forward-thinking technology. Set against a lush forest backdrop, the clean lines and material palette sit quietly yet confidently within the landscape, creating a retreat that feels both alive and timeless.

This is a state-of-the-art residence built with comprehensive energy-efficiency and self-sufficiency in mind. The house operates independently of the power grid when desired, supported by a sophisticated array of systems and a quiet high-powered, self-starting generator that stands ready only when needed. Every modern amenity has been considered to minimize environmental impact without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Sustainable features extend to the site as well: a green drive and turnabout blend low-impact paving and revegetation strategies to reduce runoff and heat island effects while maintaining a refined approach to access and circulation. The home’s mechanical and electrical systems are engineered for resilience and minimal footprint, making year-round living both practical and pleasurable.

This getaway is designed for all seasons. Large expanses of glass frame the surrounding woods, bringing natural light and the changing landscape into the interior while sophisticated insulation and climate control systems ensure comfort through harsh Wisconsin winters and sultry summers alike. Interiors respond to the exterior setting with a restrained, modern materiality that emphasizes craftsmanship and connection to site.

Upcoming interior shots will reveal how the architecture continues inside: thoughtful spatial sequencing, carefully considered material contrasts, and lighting that highlights both form and function. This home is not just a retreat—it’s an intelligent, beautiful example of sustainable modern living.

To see more of our work, or to schedule a photo shoot please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com





Schmidke Construction Design Center:

One of the finest custom home builders in the country is Schmidke Construction in Sawyer, Michigan. Their corporate office is an exceptional design-build center — completely state-of-the-art, incorporating fine architecture and construction, finish selections, and interior design. We photographed both the exterior and interiors last year and were impressed by the thoughtful detailing, material selections, and the way spaces are curated for living and entertaining and creating some of the finest custom homes in Michigan.  

To see more of our work, or to schedule a photo shoot please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com














Cobalt Blue:

Before we close out the evening, here’s the Luxury Master Suite at dusk. The natural cobalt-blue wash that fills the room at this magic moment is simply stunning — soft, even, and deeply atmospheric. It transforms the textures and finishes, accentuating warm  a calm, immersive mood.  See you tomorrow. More to come.


To see more of our work, or to schedule a photo shoot please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com





Luxury Master Suite:

On a bit of a theme here with beautiful master suites — had to share one more. This luxury suite, built by JMD in Northbrook, IL, showcases craftsmanship that’s nearly unmatched: every detail is precisely placed and expertly constructed. The interior design leans unmistakably European, with custom-built furnishings specified to fit the space perfectly. A serene, stunning room to relax with a cup of tea and watch the waves on the lake. More to come.

To see more of our work, or to schedule a photo shoot please visit our website.  www.normansizemore.com