THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

A fantastic Persian rug from Blue Parakeet Rugs brings the whole color scheme together. Vintage touches include the Wedgewood stove, the pendant light over the sink, the red bakelite clock, the vintage footstool ( a Rose Bowl find) and my collection of early California Pottery.

Elegant kids' white tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor bathroom photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Trent Photography, Austin, Tx.
Bathroom - coastal bathroom idea in Austin with a trough sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and black countertops

Example of a mid-sized transitional 3/4 black tile, gray tile, white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom design in Orange County with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops

Lori Dennis Interior Design SoCal Contractor Construction Erika Bierman Photography
Bathroom - large master gray tile and glass tile marble floor bathroom idea in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

In drawer outlets by Docking Drawer provide a safe way to power and store hair tools such as hair dryers and hair straighteners. Bathroom design by Dorig Designs LLC

Here is a great way to store your step stool in the toe kick of the cabinets
Example of a transitional cork floor eat-in kitchen design in Albuquerque with flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

This kitchen belongs to a lively young family of five (soon to be six) in New Rochelle New York. When meeting the family to discuss the kitchen renovation, the request was simple, yet required careful planning. They wanted a beautiful high end kitchen that would be not only child friendly but one that would give their children the feeling that this is a space for them to use freely. And so the kitchen was designed. All countertops and backsplash, including the sink apron and the kitchen hood, are made out of a Dekton porcelain, a material that is both heat, scratch and stain resistant. Thanks to ever evolving technologies, it not only looks like stone, but feels like it as well. A secret compartment with a pouch magnet on the panel wall contains a three tier step-stool for reaching the upper cabinets while those are equipped with pulldown shelves to utilize all spaces with easy access.

Alex Bowman, Photographer
Example of a large southwest galley terra-cotta tile eat-in kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a classic home design design in Kansas City

A whimsical bathroom created for my children, but sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by adults. It is wrapped in an aviary toile, and accented with a bold mirror. The lowest drawer pulls out and has a lid on it. It can hold up to 90 pounds and acts as a stepping stool for young children. When they grow, you can pop off the lid and it returns to full use as a drawer. Home located in Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming. Designed by Tawna Allred Interiors, who also services Alpine, Auburn, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Freedom, Grover, Thayne, Turnerville, Swan Valley, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Ingenious pull out draw with step stool. Photo by Todd Gieg
Kitchen pantry - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Country kitchen photo in New York

Michael J. Lee Photography
Open concept kitchen - large traditional u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Christopher Davison, AIA
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kids' white tile and subway tile bathroom remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops and gray walls

This kitchen belongs to a lively young family of five (soon to be six) in New Rochelle New York. When meeting the family to discuss the kitchen renovation, the request was simple, yet required careful planning. They wanted a beautiful high end kitchen that would be not only child friendly but one that would give their children the feeling that this is a space for them to use freely. And so the kitchen was designed. All countertops and backsplash, including the sink apron and the kitchen hood, are made out of a Dekton porcelain, a material that is both heat, scratch and stain resistant. Thanks to ever evolving technologies, it not only looks like stone, but feels like it as well. A secret compartment with a pouch magnet on the panel wall contains a three tier step-stool for reaching the upper cabinets while those are equipped with pulldown shelves to utilize all spaces with easy access. The breakfast room table has a custom glass top created to prevent wear and tear of the table while the chairs are made of leather and can easily be wiped off. Two breathable fruit drawers.

European style Poggenpohl kitchen offers a roomy island with induction cooktop and beverage refrigerator, wet wall with single dish drawer, Grohe fixtures and lift-up cabinet doors, and full-height wall including refrigeration, ovens and plenty of pantry space. All drawers and lift-up doors open at a gentle touch due to the Servo-drive installation. The lift-up doors may be lowered manually or with the touch of a recessed button. The roomy kitchen includes many Universal Design features like wide paths, dimmable lighting, roll-up cooktop and sink area, dish drawer, automatic drawer openers, pull-down shelves, pull-out pantries, and taller toe kick areas. Photo Credit: Michelle Turner, UDCP

Photos by Robin Amorello, CDD CAPS
Mid-sized trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island