Elegant stone patio photo in Cleveland with a fire pit and a pergola

Home office - transitional home office idea in Chicago

Photography by: Susan Gilmore
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor living room design in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Trendy gray floor living room photo in New York with gray walls

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Exterior lighting adds style to your home, and it adds safety. Lights hung on the garage do triple duty: they light the driveway for you and your guests, they signal an entrance is nearby, and they help light the front walk a bit. Selecting exterior lighting with opaque glass makes using CFL and LED bulbs more palatable as it warms the cool light cast. And, it's cost effective as many people choose to leave their exterior lights on 24/7 for security reasons. Photo by Shanna Wolf, S Photography.

Tom has created a wonderful area off the back of his house... "Enjoy my very clever way to reduce concrete costs while enjoying a full 3 point arc playing area! Here’s your pitch = the money saved allows your future customers to upgrade their model!!! I looked at every option out there before deciding on Pro Dunk. Your product is top notch! Your quality is unsurpassed… Friendly, knowledgeable, & trustworthy customer service. Excellent delivery process. Easy and very clear do-it-yourself." This is a Pro Dunk Platinum Basketball System that was purchased in March of 2012. It was installed on a 46 ft wide by a 30 ft deep playing area in Rogers, MN. Browse all of Tom B's photos navigate to: http://www.produnkhoops.com/photos/albums/tom-46x30-pro-dunk-platinum-basketball-system-83/

If you can’t reach items in your corner cabinets our Lazy Susan’s make it easy with one turn to get to what it is you need. To help maximize every inch of storage space, SSKC can install our Lazy Susan in base or upper cabinets. Lazy Susan’s are available in wood, chrome plated wire or heavy duty polymer construction to accommodate all budgets. All of our Lazy Susan’s have independently rotating trays with chrome-plated stainless steel pole featuring positive stop and adjustable height.

The heart of this Carrollton project is a custom timber pergola that defines the primary outdoor living area. Alterra’s design+build team utilized heavy-duty beams and stone-clad pillars to create a structural anchor for the flagstone patio. Integrated string lighting, recessed cans, and a large-scale ceiling fan ensure this space is comfortable for day or night use. This view demonstrates how our master plan creates "outdoor rooms" that feel like a true extension of the home’s interior, offering a premier space for gathering and relaxation.

After many months of hard work on a project, there is nothing more rewarding than showcasing the final product and this custom home renovation is one we are incredibly proud of. Once just a tiny bungalow, this newly renovated Decatur home has been elevated into a modern white brick home filled with functional and flexible living spaces perfectly suited for its homeowner’s lifestyle. From a double duty kitchen and airy living room to the versatile office/bar, this custom renovation project has everything needed and more.

Hammer & Hand worked with Board & Vellum on this 1937 home to repair the damage done by a poorly designed 80’s remodel. The team created an open floorplan that better utilizes the existing space with a focus on bringing attention to the home’s views of the canal and Puget Sound. H&H removed interior walls and reconfigured the home’s poor layout without changing the footprint. All new finishes brought the home out of the 80’s and gave it a fresh, modern look. The reconfigured roof does double duty: it collects runoff in rain barrels for landscape irrigation while a solar PV array converts sunlight into electricity. The home is Built Green 4 star certified.

A remodeled bathroom featuring a new tiled shower base with heavy duty shower doors that were installed along with a chic gray tile backsplash. A new dark wooden vanity with granite countertops was also added, as well as a complete re-tiling of the whole bathroom floor to match the room’s new and improved look. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design. They serve the Chicagoland area, and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all of the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/downtown-condo-renovation/

Ron Rosenzweig
Kitchen - transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

IMPACT Fire Table - Heavy Duty Steel Construction protected with a striking Raven Black Powder coating for years of trouble free maintenance. Firebox and burner are made of stainless steel, and the real lava stone helps create a natural looking fire at all settings. Choose from different side panel finishes. This model is shown with Silver Vein Powder Coated side panels. Burn natural gas or propane (choose when ordering). Standard propane tank fits beneath table or connect to natural gas. Made in the USA. PHOTO: IMPACT fire tables

Hammer & Hand worked with Board & Vellum on this 1937 home to repair the damage done by a poorly designed 80’s remodel. The team created an open floorplan that better utilizes the existing space with a focus on bringing attention to the home’s views of the canal and Puget Sound. H&H removed interior walls and reconfigured the home’s poor layout without changing the footprint. All new finishes brought the home out of the 80’s and gave it a fresh, modern look. The reconfigured roof does double duty: it collects runoff in rain barrels for landscape irrigation while a solar PV array converts sunlight into electricity. The home is Built Green 4 star certified. Photos by John G. Wilbanks Photography.

This entire dressing suite is filled with gorgeous cabinetry style focal points throughout and feels as if you entered one of the world’s top fashion stores or retail boutiques.

This mahogany butcher block top plays double duty as countertop and a prep space.
Small transitional galley vinyl floor eat-in kitchen photo with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and gray backsplash

Hammer & Hand worked with Board & Vellum on this 1937 home to repair the damage done by a poorly designed 80’s remodel. The team created an open floorplan that better utilizes the existing space with a focus on bringing attention to the home’s views of the canal and Puget Sound. H&H removed interior walls and reconfigured the home’s poor layout without changing the footprint. All new finishes brought the home out of the 80’s and gave it a fresh, modern look. The reconfigured roof does double duty: it collects runoff in rain barrels for landscape irrigation while a solar PV array converts sunlight into electricity. The home is Built Green 4 star certified. Photos by John G. Wilbanks Photography.

Hammer & Hand worked with Board & Vellum on this 1937 home to repair the damage done by a poorly designed 80’s remodel. The team created an open floorplan that better utilizes the existing space with a focus on bringing attention to the home’s views of the canal and Puget Sound. H&H removed interior walls and reconfigured the home’s poor layout without changing the footprint. All new finishes brought the home out of the 80’s and gave it a fresh, modern look. The reconfigured roof does double duty: it collects runoff in rain barrels for landscape irrigation while a solar PV array converts sunlight into electricity. The home is Built Green 4 star certified. Photos by John G. Wilbanks Photography.