Details, details, details! This traditional kitchen remodel is full of them! Though soft and neutral, the use of dark cabinetry in unexpected places lends warmth and depth to the space. Our eyes are drawn to the custom hood and rich island cabinetry. The corners of these cabinets have a beautifully carved post detailing. The pendant lights add the perfect touch of glam, creating a sparkle when lit that highlights the hint of color in the mosaic design of the backsplash. What do you think of this design?

take in this large transitional kitchen with it's coffered ceiling, long 12' granite top island with dark cabinetry below. restoration hardware nickel orb pendants light the island and herringbone subway tile lines the backsplash. a warm limestone tile floor grounds the long kitchen layout.

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Mid-sized trendy dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Boston with gray walls

Aluminum or corten planters with a bench top. The removable bench top provides functional sitting. Also, the unit can be used as storage for garden tools and accessories. Durable polystyrene and aluminum bench top construction requires no maintenance. The bench top comes in mocha color with finely sanded texture.

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Sid Levin Revolution Design Build
Inspiration for a large timeless porcelain tile entryway remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls and a white front door

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.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Benschneider
Large trendy men's medium tone wood floor dressing room photo in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

This bathroom was the final space to be designed for this client by me. We did space planning and furniture when they first moved in, a couple years later we did a full kitchen remodel and now we finally did the bathroom. This wasn't a full remodel so we kept some of the items that were in good condition and updated the rest. First thing we focused on was the shower, with some existing functional problems we made sure the incorporate storage and a bench for this walk in shower. That allowed space for bottles and a seat. With the existing vanity cabinet and counter tops staying I wanted to coordinate the dark counter with adding some dark elements elsewhere to tie they in together. We did a dark charcoal hex shower floor and also used that tile in the back of the niches. Since the shower was a dark place we added a light in shower and used a much lighter tile on the wall and bench. this tile was carried into the rest of the bathroom on the floor and the smaller version for the tub surround in a 2"x2" mosaic. The wall color before was dark and client loved it so we did a new dark grey but brightened the space with a white ceiling. New chrome faucets throughout to give a reflective element. This bathroom truly feels more relaxing for a bath or a quick shower!

eat-in kitchen, pendent lights, glass tile, cook top, island, orange bar stools, glass cabinet door, lighted cabinets, light wood flooring, island sink, dark cabinets, recessed lights, painted ceiling beams, recessed lights, stainless steel range hood, granite counter

Photo: Paula Coldiron © 2014 Houzz
Example of a classic dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Birmingham with no fireplace

Echoing the same modern classic feel, we chose a wood frame bed in a grayish wood tone and paired that with medium brown nightstands and a dresser with antique brass details. A dark wood framed bench with beige upholstery sits at the end of the bed. Table lamps made of stone and with brass details, provided just the right touch of sophistication to the space. Matching that is a unique brass chandelier. A dark framed mirror with brass accents is placed above the dresser to provide visual appeal and to give lightness to the space. Finally, an area rug with classical elements gives added warmth to the space.

Dark Maple Cabinet, Quartz Counter top, Square Sink, Glass Mosaic Backsplash, Porcelain Tile Floors, Porcelain Tile Shower, Bench Seat, Free Standing Tub, Framed Mirror, Sconces, Chrome Bath Fixtures, Soap Niches, Handheld Shower, Deck Mount Tub Filler, Frameless Shower Enclosure, Tile Boarder in Shower

KITCHEN: This open floor plan kitchen is a mix of materials in a modern industrial style. The back L portion is black painted wood veneer with dark stainless steel bridge handles with matching dark stainless countertop and toe kick. The island is a natural ruxe wood veneer with dark stainless steel integrated handles with matching toe kick. The counter top on the island is a honed black quartz. Integrated Miele refrigerator/freezer and built in coffee maker. Wolf range and classic stainless steel chimney hood are the perfect appliances to bridge the look of modern and industrial with a heavy metal look. Photo by Martin Vecchio.

Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz Inc. One of the most recent renovations is the guest bathroom, located on the first floor. Complete with a standing shower, the room successfully incorporates elements of various styles toward a harmonious end. The vanity was a cabinet from Arhaus Furniture that was used for a store staging. Raymond and Jennifer purchased the marble top and put it on themselves. Jennifer had the lighting made by a husband-and-wife team that she found on Instagram. "Because social media is a great tool, it is also helpful to support small businesses. With just a little hash tagging and the right people to follow, you can find the most amazing things," she says. Lighting: Triple 7 Recycled Co.; sink & taps: Kohler Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz

Scott Zimmerman, Mountain contemporary bathroom with gray stone floors, dark walnut cabinets and quartz counter tops.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and stone tile limestone floor bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an undermount tub, quartzite countertops and gray walls

This stunning kitchen remodel blends timeless elegance with modern functionality, anchored by a large statement island that serves as both a prep space and gathering hub. Topped with sleek white quartz countertops, the island offers generous workspace while adding a bright contrast to the rich, dark cabinetry. Brass accents are carried throughout the space—from cabinet hardware to the faucet—bringing warmth and a refined, upscale feel. Overhead, a glamorous crystal chandelier adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest, elevating the kitchen beyond purely functional into a true showpiece. Luxury appliances complete the design, offering high-performance cooking capabilities while seamlessly integrating into the cabinetry for a clean, cohesive look. The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and inviting—perfect for everyday living and entertaining alike.

Jonathan Raith Inc. - Builder Sam Oberter - Photography Shakuff - Lighting
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Boston with white walls

Custom built in walnut bench in dining area.
Example of a trendy vinyl floor great room design in Other with beige walls and no fireplace