While looking for a home in Austin, my husband and I quickly realized that modern design wasn't something we were going to find. At least not in our budget. So we opted for a fixer upper. Took a lot of work but we think we got there in the end. We moved the giant divider wall that was giving us the 90's double island and created more flow and a larder space. Taking out the traditional mantle on the fireplace and tiling to the ceiling shows off the ultra high ceilings. Closing off one of the entry ways really gave the fireplace more of an identity also allowing us to add shelving on either side for some much needed storage. We used a contractor but all of the design was done by myself and my husband (mostly me ;)) Not bad for a novice.... if I do say so myself! :)