Search results for "Address challenges" in Home Design Ideas

Liquid Design & Architecture Inc.
Example of a cottage chic dark wood floor bedroom design in Miami with multicolored walls
Example of a cottage chic dark wood floor bedroom design in Miami with multicolored walls

Grey Giraffe
Example of a trendy side yard concrete patio design in Salt Lake City with a fireplace and no cover
Example of a trendy side yard concrete patio design in Salt Lake City with a fireplace and no cover

Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.
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Inspiration for a transitional gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Toronto with a metal roof and a gray roof

Casey Dunn
Example of a trendy formal living room design in Austin with a ribbon fireplace and white walls
Example of a trendy formal living room design in Austin with a ribbon fireplace and white walls

Large professional-grade kitchen with white and black cabinetry and open shelving in a naturally finished walnut wood.
Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, black backsplash and cement tile backsplash
Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, black backsplash and cement tile backsplash

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out.
Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center.
The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets.
Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer.
A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style.
The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard.
The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

THE SETUP
Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future.
Design Objectives:
Create a more streamlined, open space
Eliminate traditional elements
Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use
Omit dated posts and soffits
Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free
Address mail organization and phone charging concerns
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets
Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island
Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere
Address awkward space above existing built-ins
Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window
Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining
Design Solutions:
Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency
A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space
Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation
New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look
Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel
Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.

The client wanted patio space for a chair so she could relax in the sun when the mood struck. The only spot in the yard with any sun is near the fence gate. A full-range New York Bluestone patio was added using 30” x 30” slabs. These slabs are dry-set so leveling was a challenge.

This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms.
Starting in the Kitchen
Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new.
Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house.
In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen.
On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner.
An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested.
Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome.
Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together.
Master Bathroom
The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub.
The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar.
The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space.
Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed.
Master Bedroom Fireplace
This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well.
Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

Mid-century modern living room with open plan and floor to ceiling windows for indoor-outdoor ambiance, redwood paneled walls, exposed wood beam ceiling, wood flooring and mid-century modern style furniture, in Berkeley, California. - Photo by Bruce Damonte.

The 100-year old home’s kitchen was old and just didn’t function well. A peninsula in the middle of the main part of the kitchen blocked the path from the back door. This forced the homeowners to mostly use an odd, U-shaped corner of the kitchen.
Design objectives:
-Add an island
-Wow-factor design
-Incorporate arts and crafts with a touch of Mid-century modern style
-Allow for a better work triangle when cooking
-Create a seamless path coming into the home from the backdoor
-Make all the countertops in the space 36” high (the old kitchen had different base cabinet heights)
Design challenges to be solved:
-Island design
-Where to place the sink and dishwasher
-The family’s main entrance into the home is a back door located within the kitchen space. Samantha needed to find a way to make an unobstructed path through the kitchen to the outside
-A large eating area connected to the kitchen felt slightly misplaced – Samantha wanted to bring the kitchen and materials more into this area
-The client does not like appliance garages/cabinets to the counter. The more countertop space, the better!
Design solutions:
-Adding the right island made all the difference! Now the family has a couple of seats within the kitchen space. -Multiple walkways facilitate traffic flow.
-Multiple pantry cabinets (both shallow and deep) are placed throughout the space. A couple of pantry cabinets were even added to the back door wall and wrap around into the breakfast nook to give the kitchen a feel of extending into the adjoining eating area.
-Upper wall cabinets with clear glass offer extra lighting and the opportunity for the client to display her beautiful vases and plates. They add and an airy feel to the space.
-The kitchen had two large existing windows that were ideal for a sink placement. The window closest to the back door made the most sense due to the fact that the other window was in the corner. Now that the sink had a place, we needed to worry about the dishwasher. Samantha didn’t want the dishwasher to be in the way of people coming in the back door – it’s now in the island right across from the sink.
-The homeowners love Motawi Tile. Some fantastic pieces are placed within the backsplash throughout the kitchen. -Larger tiles with borders make for nice accent pieces over the rangetop and by the bar/beverage area.
-The adjacent area for eating is a gorgeous nook with massive windows. We added a built-in furniture-style banquette with additional lower storage cabinets in the same finish. It’s a great way to connect and blend the two areas into what now feels like one big space!

THE SETUP
Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future.
Design Objectives:
Create a more streamlined, open space
Eliminate traditional elements
Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use
Omit dated posts and soffits
Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free
Address mail organization and phone charging concerns
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets
Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island
Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere
Address awkward space above existing built-ins
Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window
Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining
Design Solutions:
Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency
A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space
Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation
New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look
Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel
Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.
This is one of 2 prep sinks by The Galley.

Location: Nantucket, MA, USA
A gorgeous New England beach compound which features a tranquil, sophisticated kitchen. The blue backsplash is the perfect backdrop to a sunny breakfast at the island or a glamorous dinner party in the paneled banquet. The cabinets are accented with hand-made European hardware that enhances the bespoke nature of the kitchen. The children's bathroom has a fun penny tile on the floor juxtaposed against the over-sized subway wall tile. The master bath features crystal fixtures and fittings imported from France. threshold interiors loves working with our clients to produce the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication in your beach home!
Photographed by: Michael Partenio

Jim Bartsch Photography
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and gray floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with a wall-mount sink, gray walls, a hinged shower door and a niche
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and gray floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with a wall-mount sink, gray walls, a hinged shower door and a niche

Ed Ritger Photography
Example of a transitional gray three-story exterior home design in San Francisco
Example of a transitional gray three-story exterior home design in San Francisco
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