Example of a transitional bedroom design in Grand Rapids

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Open concept kitchen - cottage light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Melbourne with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Transitional basement photo in Denver

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Cottage kitchen photo in Orange County

Inspiration for a coastal wainscoting and wallpaper powder room remodel in Boston with a two-piece toilet, blue walls and a pedestal sink

Master Bathroom design and layout by homeowner and Jennifer at Creekside Cabinets. Counters by Hoover Custom Tops in at Kinston. Cabinet hardware by Top Knobs. Bristol Door style in Peppercorn Tinted Varnish by Fieldstone Cabinetry. Photography by Archie at Smartfocus Photography.

Transitional shiplap ceiling living room photo in Houston with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Plaster walls, teak shower floor, granite counter top, and teak cabinets with custom windows opening into shower.
Inspiration for a modern gray tile concrete floor, gray floor and wood ceiling bathroom remodel in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, granite countertops, medium tone wood cabinets, gray countertops and a floating vanity

Transitional bathroom photo in Phoenix

Front exterior of the Edge Hill Project.
Example of a transitional white two-story brick house exterior design in Dallas with a shingle roof

Trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Mid-sized transitional master porcelain tile and white tile marble floor and white floor alcove shower photo in Philadelphia with gray cabinets, white walls, a hinged shower door, recessed-panel cabinets, an undermount sink and white countertops

Elegant built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor home office photo in Chicago with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-sized trendy dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Houston with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a transitional backyard deck remodel in Dallas with a fire pit and a pergola

A refreshed and calming palette of blue and white is granted an extra touch of class with richly patterend wallpaper, custom sconces and crisp wainscoting.

This Cape Cod house on Hyannis Harbor was designed to capture the views of the harbor. Coastal design elements such as ship lap, compass tile, and muted coastal colors come together to create an ocean feel. Photography: Joyelle West Interior Designer: Christine Granfield Kitchen Designer: Donna Gavin