Difficult area for access with a safe solution
Inspiration for a small contemporary shade hillside gravel garden path in Portland Maine for summer.

Perimeter: Full Access, Augusta A, Paint Grade, Black of Night by Sherwin-Williams Island: Full Access, Augusta A, Paint Grade, Cityscape
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a transitional laundry room remodel in Minneapolis

  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

Wheel-chair accessible shower.
Inspiration for a coastal master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile walk-in shower remodel in Boston with beige walls

Red Cedar outdoor shower
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal backyard outdoor patio shower remodel in Boston with decking and a pergola

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in New York

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

We created a new shower with flat pan and infinity drain, the drain is not visible and looks like a thin line along with the shower opening. Easy handicap access shower with bench and portable shower head. Vanity didn’t get replaced, new quartz countertop with new sinks added. Heated floors and fresh paint made that room warm and beautiful.

Example of a transitional beige tile gray floor and single-sink bathroom design in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

A luxurious and accessible bathroom that will enable our clients to Live-in-Place for many years. The design and layout allows for ease of use and room to maneuver for someone physically challenged and a caretaker.

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Sacramento

This Waukesha bathroom remodel was unique because the homeowner needed wheelchair accessibility. We designed a beautiful master bathroom and met the client’s ADA bathroom requirements. Original Space The old bathroom layout was not functional or safe. The client could not get in and out of the shower or maneuver around the vanity or toilet. The goal of this project was ADA accessibility. ADA Bathroom Requirements All elements of this bathroom and shower were discussed and planned. Every element of this Waukesha master bathroom is designed to meet the unique needs of the client. Designing an ADA bathroom requires thoughtful consideration of showering needs. Open Floor Plan – A more open floor plan allows for the rotation of the wheelchair. A 5-foot turning radius allows the wheelchair full access to the space. Doorways – Sliding barn doors open with minimal force. The doorways are 36” to accommodate a wheelchair. Curbless Shower – To create an ADA shower, we raised the sub floor level in the bedroom. There is a small rise at the bedroom door and the bathroom door. There is a seamless transition to the shower from the bathroom tile floor. Grab Bars – Decorative grab bars were installed in the shower, next to the toilet and next to the sink (towel bar). Handheld Showerhead – The handheld Delta Palm Shower slips over the hand for easy showering. Shower Shelves – The shower storage shelves are minimalistic and function as handhold points. Non-Slip Surface – Small herringbone ceramic tile on the shower floor prevents slipping. ADA Vanity – We designed and installed a wheelchair accessible bathroom vanity. It has clearance under the cabinet and insulated pipes. Lever Faucet – The faucet is offset so the client could reach it easier. We installed a lever operated faucet that is easy to turn on/off. Integrated Counter/Sink – The solid surface counter and sink is durable and easy to clean. ADA Toilet – The client requested a bidet toilet with a self opening and closing lid. ADA bathroom requirements for toilets specify a taller height and more clearance. Heated Floors – WarmlyYours heated floors add comfort to this beautiful space. Linen Cabinet – A custom linen cabinet stores the homeowners towels and toiletries. Style The design of this bathroom is light and airy with neutral tile and simple patterns. The cabinetry matches the existing oak woodwork throughout the home.

zack Benson photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard water fountain landscape in San Diego with decking.

Susan and Doug loved their two-story home set on a lovely large and secluded wooded lot in a quiet and centrally located neighborhood in Apex, NC. They decided that they would retire in the home, but were aware of their need to transition to a first-floor fully accessible living environment as they aged so that they could remain in their home as long as possible. Our solution was to design and build a first-floor Master Bedroom suite that flows seamlessly into the other living areas on their first floor, and also serves to bring more of the “outdoors in”, allowing them to enjoy more of their lovely large wooded back yard and gardens. The Aging in Place and Special Needs Accessible Master Bedroom Suite Addition transformed their two-story home into a fully accessible and functional 1st Floor retirement home, with guest suites on the 2nd Floor! The Master Suite Addition features a large master bedroom with generous windows that looks out on the lovely wooded back yard and creates a light and bright interior. The large master bathroom features an amazing tiled barrier-free shower, large closet, free-standing tub, and fully wheelchair accessible water closet. Beautiful natural finish hardwood floors flow into the fully wheelchair accessible and barrio-free kitchen, dining room, and family room. The large wrap-around deck extends the living space into the large private back yard, and ties the master bedroom in with the screened porch. Special Features: Fully Aging in Place and Special Needs Accessible 1st Floor Home. Generous windows to bring in natural light and the lovely private and wooded back yard. Energy efficient advanced building science techniques. Amazing tiled barrier-free shower and master bath. Integration of sentimental heirloom vanity and several hand-made pottery vessel sinks. Beautiful natural finish hardwood floors. Wrap-around deck that extends the barrier-free living spaces into the private back yard.

Staircase - cottage wooden u-shaped metal railing staircase idea in Denver with painted risers

Blue, White & Gray Master Bath
Mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom photo in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Ofer Wolberger
Dining room - transitional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room idea in New York with white walls