Jeri Koegel
Trendy black floor multiuse home gym photo in Orange County with white walls

The Entry and Parking Courtyard : The approach to the front of the house leads up the driveway into a spacious cobbled courtyard framed by a series of stone walls , which in turn are surrounded by plantings. The stone walls also allow the formation of a secondary room for entry into the garages. The walls extend the architecture of the house into the garden allowing the house to be grounded to the site and connect to the greater landscape. Photo credit: ROGER FOLEY

The new covered porch with tuscan columns and detailed trimwork centers the entrance and mirrors the second floor addition dormers . A new in-law suite was also added to left. Tom Grimes Photography

Powder room - transitional black and white tile porcelain tile, black floor, coffered ceiling and wallpaper powder room idea in New York with white cabinets, black walls, quartz countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

We opened walls and converted the casita to a Primary bedroom
Inspiration for a large mediterranean loft-style medium tone wood floor and exposed beam bedroom remodel in Orange County with white walls

This beautiful home office boasts charcoal cabinetry with loads of storage. The left doors hide a printer station, while the right doors organize clear plastic bins for scrapbooking. For interest, a marble mosaic floor tile rug was inset into the wood look floor tile. The wall opposite the desk also features lots of countertop space for crafting, as well as additional storage cabinets. File drawers and organization for wrapping paper and gift bags round out this functional home office.

Kitchen photo in DC Metro

Tuscan kitchen photo

Example of a french country bathroom design in Dallas

Example of a minimalist single-wall brown floor wet bar design in San Francisco with an integrated sink, floating shelves, black cabinets and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern master blue tile and ceramic tile marble floor, gray floor and double-sink bathroom remodel in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Inspiration for a large modern master double-sink bathroom remodel in Chicago with marble countertops and a built-in vanity

The expansive basement entertainment area features a tv room, a kitchenette and a custom bar for entertaining. The custom entertainment center and bar areas feature bright blue cabinets with white oak accents. Lucite and gold cabinet hardware adds a modern touch. The sitting area features a comfortable sectional sofa and geometric accent pillows that mimic the design of the kitchenette backsplash tile. The kitchenette features a beverage fridge, a sink, a dishwasher and an undercounter microwave drawer. The large island is a favorite hangout spot for the clients' teenage children and family friends. The convenient kitchenette is located on the basement level to prevent frequent trips upstairs to the main kitchen. The custom bar features lots of storage for bar ware, glass display cabinets and white oak display shelves. Locking liquor cabinets keep the alcohol out of reach for the younger generation.

Example of a large farmhouse black tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor, double-sink and wall paneling freestanding bathtub design in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Our clients wished for a larger main bathroom with more light and storage. We expanded the footprint and used light colored marble tile, countertops and paint colors to give the room a brighter feel and added a cherry wood vanity to warm up the space. The matt black finish of the glass shower panels and the mirrors allows for top billing in this design and gives it a more modern feel.

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River.

Example of a beach style open concept light wood floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling living room design in Minneapolis with white walls and a standard fireplace

This warm and rustic home, set in the spacious Lakeview neighborhood, features incredible reclaimed wood accents from the vaulted ceiling beams connecting the great room and dining room to the wood mantel and other accents throughout.