remodeling ideas
ADA compliant sink space w/storage and leg protection.
This is a fine example of working with oversized slab tile and incorporating a trench drain system and river rock. A shower like this would no doubt be build with two or more primary shower drains. These drains hidden from view by the river rock. A shower built like this takes care in the execution the the order of installations. Showers like this can be built and designed into any home. The further ahead the planning takes place the better.
Curbless showers have to be larger than a typical shower to make them large enough to contain the entire splash zone.
Grab bars are one of the safety features that have traditionally screamed "institutional." That sterile public-restroom look is one reason that people resist installing them. But take a look at these: The shape and the oil-rubbed bronze color offer a warm, traditional look.
Here is a view from the outside. In this modern version, screen doors keep the bugs out. Durable facings such as vinyl-backed paper, fiberglass and acrylic are available to suit your needs.
In traditional Japanese homes, the shoji doors were protected by an outside overhang like this. A set of exterior wooden doors added security at night.
Instead of rice paper, natural grasscloth in an earthy tan adds texture and warmth. The vertical lines repeat throughout the space in the sliding doors of the floating buffet, accent chair and accessories.
When in doubt, take the sliding door all the way to the ceiling. This way, it almost appears to be part of the wall. Assuming this hallway leads to a closet area, this sliding door acts as a great and quick way to hide a messy wardrobe when guests happen to pop over.
This sliding door is cleverly designed to tuck into the adjacent staircase — a true space saver. It is clad in the same wood as a nearby wall, giving the door a seamless look when closed
Perfect for a kitchen, where space is almost always at a premium, this barn door slides open to reveal a bookcase without obstructing any precious floor space.
Bathroom/Closet - The repurposed wood paned door is one thing, but the designer took it a step further by mounting a full-length mirror to the the same hardware in the background — a nice touch.
A glass transom on this barn door ensures that light flows from one room to the next, connecting the spaces.
pocket door with big handle
bedroom pocket door
Another example of well-placed frosted glass, this pocket door keeps the light flowing from one room to the next, without skimping on privacy.
Here's another great example of how to design a pantry with the best type of access. Two sets of double doors that match the cabinetry make for a nice-sized pantry. By using cabinet doors on the outside, this pantry feels right at home in this contemporary kitchen.
rack for spices
pantry with pocket doors!
A little pantry area is hidden behind sleek white doors in this modern kitchen. The bright red interior adds a playful contrast when you open the doors.
While it's relatively straightforward in design, there are some simple and easy to implement storage tips in this laundry room that Houzzers were excited about. The built-in drying rack is a great touch (as sometimes a single bar just isn't enough), as was the wall cabinetry, which can hold all sorts of odds and ends.
This ironing board solution is a little more complex, but just as efficient. Houzzers loved how the designer customized the ironing board to fold into a cabinet drawer.
One of the first upgrades to make to a laundry room is adding counter space. Front-loading washers free up space on top of the appliance, so it is possible to install a counter over the washer and dryer. Make sure to leave space for the machines to move without hitting the counter. You'll need to install wood blocking to support the counter — don't rest it on the machine.
If your laundry is in an area open to view as people pass through your house — like a mudroom — you'll want to keep things hidden. Some of the same things that we install in kitchens to make life easier work in a laundry as well. If you are building a kitchen and laundry at the same time, consider combining the cabinet order and get accessories like this pullout ironing board. Or use the old kitchen cabinets in the laundry and add an aftermarket pullout trash can, like the one available at Rockler.
Big cabinet drawers. Houzzers want to make the most of every square inch of storage space. Big drawers, especially those with dish racks and other inserts, maximize bottom cabinets' storage potential.
Built-in dishtowel hamper. Sponges aren't the only items you don't want to look at. Today's sleek kitchens have dedicated spots for dishtowels, both dirty and clean.
This breakfast bar, designed along the same lines, provides the feel of a demilune table. Like the one in the previous photo, it's dropped low enough to accommodate standard chairs rather than stools.
Most breakfast bars sit higher than the kitchen countertops, but this one takes the opposite tack. Diners can sip a drink or nibble hors d'oeuvres at a comfortable height, yet still have a great view of the cooking action.
First things first: Determine your seating height. If you want to have bar stools at your island, you'll need to decide if it's 36 or 42 inches high. A 42-inch-high bar stool and bar tend to have a bit more flexibility — the island can be designed in two levels, with the working side set lower for prep work and the dining side higher to accommodate bar stools. The step in between is a handy place for electrical outlets, too. A 36-inch-high bar provides for seating that's between a typical bar stool and a table seat. It doesn't allow for quite as much flexibility in design but can be a good choice for a defined eating area. Ahmann suggests leaving at least 12 inches of overhang for seating areas, but 15 to 18 inches tends to feel more comfortable.
Use smaller tiles for better traction. What a wonderful bathroom! Here, designer Helen Scott used the same smaller tile throughout the bathroom as accent tiles. Notice how the shower hose and the shower bar are installed on the center of that one tile. I'm sure that was no accident.
Use your main tile to frame a second tile. If your main tile of choice does not offer good slip resistance on your shower floor, you can frame a smaller tile with a larger tile. Keep in mind that you will need to miter the corners so they can tip into the shower and you can achieve the pitch you need.
Consider universal design. Pick a large-format tile and a one-way slope for easy access to the shower if you plan to age in your home. Using one tile throughout the installation can also make the room look much bigger.
Small colored glass is easier to work with than large clear glass. Glass is hard to work with. Some clear glass tiles can show moisture trapped behind them and make a great shower look awful after just a few uses. Picking smaller colored glass tile is better. Many glass tiles have directional arrows so they all can be installed with the same orientation.
Using a large-format tile is great for barrier-free design and aging in place. But is that tile safe? Smaller tiles offer more grout lines and slip resistance, so if you're searching for a large tile, look for one with a good slip-resistance rating. A tile with an A or B rating is far safer than a tile with a C slip-resistance rating. A little-known fact is that if you're using glass tile or any sheet mosaic tile, it is up to the manufacturer or retailer to inform you if the tile is acceptable for submersion or pool use. Your shower floor should be built like it will be submerged. It is also the responsibility of the manufacturer of glass tile to specify the type of setting materials you need.
curbless shower walls = zero barrier threshold for shower.
lazy susan in corner of pantry
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