Example of a large farmhouse one-story exterior home design in Orange County

This new homeowner desired a kitchen that was light and airy with some vintage undertones. Her dream for an island to prep food, eat and entertain came true when she purchased her new home. This large kitchen had so many wonderful features including a large sliding glass door, pantry, computer work area, and fire place. However there were some layout challenges. First the oddly shaped island did not allow easy access to the fridge if someone were sitting at the island. Secondly, her large family of six could not all dine together. My solution was to enlarge the island to seat six and omit the small kitchen table area in front of the fireplace. New light grey wall color, white subway tile back splash and light granite counter tops contribute to the light airy feel of their new kitchen. Vintage touches can be seen in the counter stools and island lighting. The clients are extremely happy with the 5' x 9' island. This kitchen truly is the heart of their home! Nina Leone Photography

Photo credit: Ehlen Creative
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an island, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and flat-panel cabinets

This home remodel was for a veteran who was in need of some modifications to his home in order for it to be made accessible. We widened several doorways, added ramps, built an addition in order to create an ADA bathroom, and built a deck with ramps. The bathroom turned out absolutely stunning, and the deck is now the perfect place for summer evenings.

Outdated kitchen had very little room for expansion, but the need was for additional storage, a more functional plan, easier to work in for someone with arthritis, improve lighting, and an island was wanted if possible.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

In a hot tub blog comment, someone once described wanting to watch a particular movie and enjoy the hot tub with their spouse one evening. What to do? Apparently they pointed a projector out the kitchen window after hanging a bed sheet on the clothes line and enjoyed the movie while soaking in their hot tub. But all one really needs for a romantic hot tub date are some clean towels, a couple of bathrobes, and slippers. www.besthottubs.com

This large bathroom was designed to offer an open, airy feel, with ample storage and space to move, all the while adhering to the homeowner's unique coastal taste. The sprawling louvered cabinetry keeps both his and hers vanities accessible regardless of someone using either. The tall, above-counter linen storage breaks up the large wall space and provides additional storage with full size pull outs.

For maximum accessibility, the glass shower enclosure features a frameless sliding shower door offering flexibility for someone using a walker to safely enter the shower

Our client had originally owned the duplex apartment in the front of this town house (1st and 2nd floor). Once the studio apartment on the 2nd floor in the rear of the town house was placed on the market, they immediately purchased it to combine with their existing space. This apartment would become the extension of the apartment for entertaining and guests, as there was a kitchen and dining room in the front duplex. The studio apartment had a small kitchen in which we turned into a walk in closet, then main room remained the living room and the bedroom / out cove became the library. The entire apartment was re wired with new electrical for outlets, wall sconces, center chandelier and recessed lights. Each light location is controlled by its own dimmer for energy efficiency. The challenge was going to be for our cabinet manufacturer flying into the United States from Europe. To take detailed and precise measurements of all walls, ceiling heights, window opening and doorway in order to create shop drawings. All millwork was custom built in England and there was going to be no room for error. From its travel over the Atlantic, passing through customs, delivered to the building and carried up 2 flights of stairs it all needed to be perfect. A complaint that the neighbor living below had was always hearing footsteps of someone walking. To rectify this issue and to make a happy neighbor, we installed a soundproof mat with 2 layers of plywood prior to the installation of the carpet. The 2 tone wood combination of tiger birch and mahogany gives definition and shows the depth of layering. All fixtures are gold plated, from the chandelier, to the recessed light trims even the custom screw less plate covers are gold. In the powder room we relocated all plumbing fixtures to accommodate the new layout and walk through from each apartment. Below each window the custom millwork covers the radiators, the front panels are removable to access and service the units. The goal was to transform this empty room into true elegance…

This Jack and Jill bathroom has easy access from each bedroom and a door that makes the toilet and shower private so someone can still use the vanity.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

The Canterbury floor plan is a home with room to grow, with four bedrooms, a flex room on the main floor with a full bath, and a spacious loft area on the second floor. The main level offers a covered front entry, which leads into the dining room and open family room. The kitchen is open to the living spaces and features a breakfast island, butler's pantry, walk-in pantry, and separate breakfast area. An optional drop-zone can be placed off the garage entry for additional storage and organizational options. Upstairs, there are three spacious bedrooms surrounding the open loft area with additional storage closets. Bedrooms 2 and 3 also offer a Jack & Jill bath option, making a total of 4 full baths in the home. The Primary suite is a spacious retreat, with tray ceiling, dual vanity, commode closet, walk-in closet, and multiple tub and shower combinations.

This vanity has six drawers, each with it’s own organizer inside to keep things neat and easy to find. Here’s a tip: when sharing a bathroom with someone, designate drawers for specific items or divide them into his and hers if you prefer. We designed this vanity with open space under the drawers. Open shelving is all the rage now in bathrooms and allows flexible use of the space as your needs change. Some folks choose to use baskets and bins on their shelves to store items such as towels or toilet paper. Other homeowners may fold or display extra towels for easy access. We designed a floor to ceiling built-in cabinet and placed it behind the vanity for convenience. Anything that won’t fit into the vanity drawers can be stored here. We combined open shelving with adjustable shelves and 3 deep drawers to provide a variety of options.

This home renovation story begins with John and Barb, a fabulous couple looking to remodel their 15-year old winter home in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, Florida. Living in the home only part-time, spending their summers in Oconomowac, Wisconsin, John and Barb had an idea of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to bring it to fruition. They also needed someone who they could trust to renovate their home while they were away in Wisconsin. Their vision for their home started with a new kitchen, family room and wet bar. Enjoying their time outdoors and on their lanai, they also envisioned improving their indoor-outdoor living space. With the help of Progressive Design Build, this couple’s home was designed and completed remodeled while they were away, transforming the common area of their home into a more user friendly, functional space. Emphasis was placed on the kitchen and the open floor plan. New tile flooring was installed throughout the space, with all new painting that matched the homeowner’s style and taste. A new Anderson door was also installed from the kitchen to the outdoor living space, replacing heavy sliding glass doors and making access to the lanai easier and more functional.

Outdated kitchen had very little room for expansion, but the need was for additional storage, a more functional plan, easier to work in for someone with arthritis, improve lighting, and an island was wanted if possible.

Arts and crafts pool photo in New York

This home renovation story begins with John and Barb, a fabulous couple looking to remodel their 15-year old winter home in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, Florida. Living in the home only part-time, spending their summers in Oconomowac, Wisconsin, John and Barb had an idea of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to bring it to fruition. They also needed someone who they could trust to renovate their home while they were away in Wisconsin. Their vision for their home started with a new kitchen, family room and wet bar. Enjoying their time outdoors and on their lanai, they also envisioned improving their indoor-outdoor living space. With the help of Progressive Design Build, this couple’s home was designed and completed remodeled while they were away, transforming the common area of their home into a more user friendly, functional space. Emphasis was placed on the kitchen and the open floor plan. New tile flooring was installed throughout the space, with all new painting that matched the homeowner’s style and taste. A new Anderson door was also installed from the kitchen to the outdoor living space, replacing heavy sliding glass doors and making access to the lanai easier and more functional.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com