Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

Art: Art House Charlotte Photography: Meagan Larsen Featured Article: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-designer-tests-ideas-in-her-own-38-square-foot-bathroom-stsetivw-vs~116189786

Clopay Coachman Collection carriage style garage door with crossbuck design blends seamlessly into this modern farmhouse exterior. It takes up a substantial amount of the exterior but windows and detailing that echoes porch railing make it look warm and welcoming. Model shown: Design 21 with REC 13 windows. Low-maintenance insulated steel door with composite overlays. Photos by Andy Frame, copyright 2018. This image is the exclusive property of Andy Frame / Andy Frame Photography and is protected under the United States and International copyright laws.

Photography by Laura Hull.
Example of a small transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor home office design in Los Angeles with blue walls

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

Bedroom and fireplace.
Tuscan medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Santa Barbara with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Nathalie Priem
Mid-sized 1950s master carpeted and gray floor bedroom photo in London with white walls

Beach style gray floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

The Curbly #remodel added a #countertop above the washer and dryer for a place to fold #laundry.
Small transitional single-wall ceramic tile laundry room photo in Other with white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Transitional backyard gravel patio photo in Chicago with no cover

Inspiration for a transitional stone tile corner bathtub remodel in San Francisco

Photo Credit: Nicole Leone
Living room - mid-sized transitional enclosed brown floor and dark wood floor living room idea in Los Angeles with no tv, gray walls, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace

Transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen pantry photo in Atlanta with open cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, no island and white countertops

Custom gas fireplace. The slightly tinted glass runs around the entire enclosure and all the way to the ceiling.
Example of a trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Boston with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

Large traditional brown two-story brick house exterior idea in Dallas with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Example of a large transitional formal brown floor and shiplap ceiling living room design in Boise with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Gary Kasl
Living room - mediterranean living room idea in San Diego

Rachael Stollar
Trendy open staircase photo in New York

Nantucket Architectural Photography
Example of a large beach style look-out carpeted and white floor basement design in Boston with white walls