Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

In this bathroom, the customer wanted to incorporate the laundry room into the space. We removed the existing tub and installed the washer and dryer area. We installed a Medallion Silverline White Icing Painted Lancaster Doors with feet Vanity with Bianca Luna Laminate countertops. The same countertop was used above the washer/dryer for a laundry folding station. Beaded Wall Panels were installed on the walls and Nafco Luxuary Vinyl Tile (Modern Slate with Grout Joint) was used for the flooring.

Garage conversion into Additional Dwelling Unit / Tiny House
Small trendy 3/4 white tile and subway tile linoleum floor, gray floor and single-sink bathroom photo in DC Metro with medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a console sink, a hinged shower door, a built-in vanity and flat-panel cabinets

Small transitional 3/4 white floor bathroom photo in Dallas with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and gray countertops

The master bathroom also includes the washer and dryer tucked underneath a counter. Eric Smith
Example of a large classic 3/4 beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom/laundry room design in Portland Maine with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and laminate countertops

treve Johnson Photography
Mid-sized trendy 3/4 blue tile and glass tile mosaic tile floor, gray floor and single-sink bathroom photo in San Francisco with furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Our clients wanted a speakeasy vibe for their basement as they love to entertain. We achieved this look/feel with the dark moody paint color matched with the brick accent tile and beams. The clients have a big family, love to host and also have friends and family from out of town! The guest bedroom and bathroom was also a must for this space - they wanted their family and friends to have a beautiful and comforting stay with everything they would need! With the bathroom we did the shower with beautiful white subway tile. The fun LED mirror makes a statement with the custom vanity and fixtures that give it a pop. We installed the laundry machine and dryer in this space as well with some floating shelves. There is a booth seating and lounge area plus the seating at the bar area that gives this basement plenty of space to gather, eat, play games or cozy up! The home bar is great for any gathering and the added bedroom and bathroom make this the basement the perfect space!

Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary 3/4 white tile and subway tile wood-look tile floor, brown floor and single-sink bathroom idea in Denver with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, wood countertops, beige countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a mid-sized trendy 3/4 porcelain tile, black floor and single-sink bathroom design in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a mid-sized country 3/4 single-sink bathroom design in Philadelphia with blue cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an integrated sink and a built-in vanity

Our clients wanted a speakeasy vibe for their basement as they love to entertain. We achieved this look/feel with the dark moody paint color matched with the brick accent tile and beams. The clients have a big family, love to host and also have friends and family from out of town! The guest bedroom and bathroom was also a must for this space - they wanted their family and friends to have a beautiful and comforting stay with everything they would need! With the bathroom we did the shower with beautiful white subway tile. The fun LED mirror makes a statement with the custom vanity and fixtures that give it a pop. We installed the laundry machine and dryer in this space as well with some floating shelves. There is a booth seating and lounge area plus the seating at the bar area that gives this basement plenty of space to gather, eat, play games or cozy up! The home bar is great for any gathering and the added bedroom and bathroom make this the basement the perfect space!

Our clients wanted a speakeasy vibe for their basement as they love to entertain. We achieved this look/feel with the dark moody paint color matched with the brick accent tile and beams. The clients have a big family, love to host and also have friends and family from out of town! The guest bedroom and bathroom was also a must for this space - they wanted their family and friends to have a beautiful and comforting stay with everything they would need! With the bathroom we did the shower with beautiful white subway tile. The fun LED mirror makes a statement with the custom vanity and fixtures that give it a pop. We installed the laundry machine and dryer in this space as well with some floating shelves. There is a booth seating and lounge area plus the seating at the bar area that gives this basement plenty of space to gather, eat, play games or cozy up! The home bar is great for any gathering and the added bedroom and bathroom make this the basement the perfect space!

A stunning flowing laundry and powder room with a warm neutral and blue accent wall to achieve a flowing space. DESIGN Wraith Design PHOTOS Sen Creative LOCATION Moraga, CA TILE SHOWN Ogee Drop Tile in Ivory, Cardamom, Chateau, and Adriatic Sea

Removed improperly installed shower surround. Replaced shower door with frosted glass, new glass shelves, vertical wavy tiles and a strip of blue glass tiles.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country 3/4 single-sink bathroom remodel in Philadelphia with blue cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an integrated sink and a built-in vanity

Removed improperly installed shower surround. Replaced shower door with frosted glass, new glass shelves, vertical wavy tiles and a strip of blue glass tiles.

Complete Accessory Dwelling Unit Build / Bathroom & Hallway to Home Office area
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional 3/4 brown tile and ceramic tile white floor, ceramic tile and single-sink bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white countertops, beige walls, a drop-in sink, granite countertops and a freestanding vanity

This bathroom does double duty as the laundry center of the home.
Mid-sized trendy 3/4 vinyl floor, multicolored floor and single-sink bathroom photo in Other with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, laminate countertops, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

treve Johnson Photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy 3/4 blue tile and glass tile mosaic tile floor, gray floor and single-sink bathroom design in San Francisco with furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity