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.”

Meredith Heuer
Example of a large trendy master brown tile and stone slab porcelain tile walk-in shower design in New York

Light pours into the kitchen from a trio of clerestory windows and a pair of backless, glass-fronted cabinets hung in front of exterior windows. A hidden pantry is accessed to the left of the Miele double ovens from Monark Premium Appliances. A quartet of Fine Art Lamps’ metal-framed pendants hangs from artisan square-link chains, spilling light from mica shades onto the dual islands topped with Cristallo quartzite. Swivel stools from Century in an aqua and white zebra print provide seating at the dining island. Wood-Mode custom maple cabinets in Vintage Nordic White line the walls. The range hood and island bases are Wood-Mode Heirloom Harbor Mist with Pewter Glaze, all from Tradewind Designs. The 3-by-12-inch stone backsplash brings in the colors of the cabinets and islands. A tile inset commands attention behind the Miele 5-burner gas cooktop also from Monark Premium Appliances.

The comfortable elegance of this French-Country inspired home belies the challenges faced during its conception. The beautiful, wooded site was steeply sloped requiring study of the location, grading, approach, yard and views from and to the rolling Pennsylvania countryside. The client desired an old world look and feel, requiring a sensitive approach to the extensive program. Large, modern spaces could not add bulk to the interior or exterior. Furthermore, it was critical to balance voluminous spaces designed for entertainment with more intimate settings for daily living while maintaining harmonic flow throughout. The result home is wide, approached by a winding drive terminating at a prominent facade embracing the motor court. Stone walls feather grade to the front façade, beginning the masonry theme dressing the structure. A second theme of true Pennsylvania timber-framing is also introduced on the exterior and is subsequently revealed in the formal Great and Dining rooms. Timber-framing adds drama, scales down volume, and adds the warmth of natural hand-wrought materials. The Great Room is literal and figurative center of this master down home, separating casual living areas from the elaborate master suite. The lower level accommodates casual entertaining and an office suite with compelling views. The rear yard, cut from the hillside, is a composition of natural and architectural elements with timber framed porches and terraces accessed from nearly every interior space flowing to a hillside of boulders and waterfalls. The result is a naturally set, livable, truly harmonious, new home radiating old world elegance. This home is powered by a geothermal heating and cooling system and state of the art electronic controls and monitoring systems. The roof is simulated slate made from recycled materials. The company for this home is no longer in business but today we specify Inspire by Boral https://www.boralroof.com/product-profile/composite/classic-slate/4IFUE5205/

Jen Brooker Photography
Transitional white two-story brick exterior home idea in Atlanta with a shingle roof

Bright, open kitchen and refinished butler's pantry Photo credit Kim Smith
Kitchen - large transitional porcelain tile and brown floor kitchen idea in Other with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island and multicolored countertops

The new kitchen is a cook's dream. A place to gather. A place to cook. A place you want to be. The custom tile backsplash, end-grain woodblock counter on the island and rattan barstools add a layered and textured look to the space.

photography by Anice Hoachlander
Inspiration for a large modern master gray tile gray floor bathroom remodel in DC Metro with gray walls

Transitional kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Laundry room - transitional laundry room idea in Philadelphia

Lepere Studio
Large transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor laundry room photo in Santa Barbara with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, a stacked washer/dryer and gray countertops

Example of a classic light wood floor kitchen design in Omaha with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Full renovation for this Primary Bathroom. Re-worked the floor plan to create a larger walk-in shower space with custom glass enclosure. Designed a custom wooden vanity with plenty of storage, with a subtly veined quartz countertop. Free standing bathtub is surrounded by a half wall of paneling, painted in a light and bright color scheme. Neutral tile installed on bathroom floor and shower walls, with a coordinating penny tile on the shower floor and niches. Textured bamboo roman shades and floating shelves were installed for contrast and mixed and matched black and gold hardware for detail.

Holland Photography
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Seattle with shaker cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

The outdoor dining room, sundeck and living room were added to the home, creating fantastic 3 season indoor-outdoor living. The dining and living room areas are roofed and screened with the sun deck area in between left open.

clear and simple forms. The simplicity and architectural dialogue between form and function are the theme for inside and outside. Walnut bench that stretches under the wide windows along the entire length of the bath a, the window continues as a narrow band. The white high gloss acrylic surface of the Vanity. Leicht Program Luna-AG, with electrical drawers SensoMatic, Find a Leicht Showroom http://www.leicht.com/en-us/find-a-showroom/

This open kitchen and dining space was designed for effortless entertaining in a luxury custom home on Wrightsville Beach. Soft coastal finishes, an oversized island, expansive seating and direct access to the covered porch create an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living.

Transforming this small bathroom into a wheelchair accessible retreat was no easy task. Incorporating unattractive grab bars and making them look seamless was the goal. A floating vanity / countertop allows for roll up accessibility and the live edge of the granite countertops make if feel luxurious. Double sinks for his and hers sides plus medicine cabinet storage helped for this minimal feel of neutrals and breathability. The barn door opens for wheelchair movement but can be closed for the perfect amount of privacy.

Farm Kid Studios
Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary master porcelain tile and beige tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, an undermount sink and gray walls