Search results for "Ample activities" in Home Design Ideas

These young, active homeowners had three primary goals: 1) open the kitchen and better integrate it into the flow of the home, 2) incorporate simple and minimal cabinetry to provide ample storage without filling every inch of space, and 3) accommodate a wide and practical range of luxury appliances.
Photo Credits: Vic Moss, Moss Photography

When Matt first considered his kitchen remodel, the layout had a functional yet outdated look. The goal was to create an inviting space with updated fixtures, improved lighting, and enhanced storage.
One of the most significant changes was adding a new window over the sink, bringing in ample natural light.
The old cabinets were replaced with new timeless Waypoint cabinets, featuring a two-tone combination of Linen for the upper cabinets and Maple Rye for the base cabinets.
A new island was built, featuring cabinetry on one side and a beadboard around the back and sides of the island for a decorative touch. To further enhance functionality, hidden outlets were installed and three West Elm Henry Pendant Lights now hang over the island, creating a striking visual feature.
The countertops were upgraded to Della Terra Quartz in Calacatta Divine. This material extends around the new kitchen window and serves as a sleek backsplash beneath the cabinets.
A Blanco Diamond Single Basin Undermount Sink in white was installed, paired with a touch-activated Delta Stryke Faucet in Lumicoat Arctic Stainless, blending style with practicality and easy function for day to day use.

In the heart of Harpenden, a family sought to create a kitchen that was more than a cooking space; they wanted a multifunctional area tailored to their busy lifestyle. The goal was to combine functionality with a welcoming atmosphere for family and work-related activities.
For this project, the chosen range was Nobilia 945 Easytouch combined with 966 Lacquered Laminate in a stunning Fjord Blue Ultra Matt finish.
The worktops, supplied by Algarve Granite, were 12mm CRL Nero Natural CER104N ceramic with a Grey mirror finish, adding a sleek and contemporary edge to the kitchen. The inclusion of Siemens, Bora, Blanco, and Quooker appliances ensured the kitchen was equipped with the latest in kitchen technology, blending functionality and style seamlessly.
The kitchen was designed with dedicated areas to cater to their lifestyle - a walk-in larder and large utility area were essential elements, providing ample storage and workspace.
The final result is a Fjord Blue Kitchen that encapsulates the essence of modern living. The combination of Nobilia’s sleek design with practical features like the walk-in larder and high-quality appliances has created a space that meets the family’s needs and enhances their daily life.
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This active family purchased their home and began remodeling before moving in. The out-dated kitchen had oak cabinets and 4" orange tile on the countertops that had to go! (see before photos) It was replaced with a light and bright eat in kitchen. The expansive island provides ample counter space not only for baking and eating, but homework and crafts. Cabinetry with convenient access to blind corners, thoughtful layout for function and storage created a kitchen that is truly the heart of their home. The laundry room is clean and fresh with larger cabinets and a relocated laundry sink under the window. The family room fireplace was also updated with new surround and custom bookcases.
PHOTOS: Designer's Edge

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four.
The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area.
Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove.
Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen.
The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher.
We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash.
The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall.
We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

These young, active homeowners had three primary goals: 1) open the kitchen and better integrate it into the flow of the home, 2) incorporate simple and minimal cabinetry to provide ample storage without filling every inch of space, and 3) accommodate a wide and practical range of luxury appliances.
Photo Credits: Vic Moss, Moss Photography

When Matt first considered his kitchen remodel, the layout had a functional yet outdated look. The goal was to create an inviting space with updated fixtures, improved lighting, and enhanced storage.
One of the most significant changes was adding a new window over the sink, bringing in ample natural light.
The old cabinets were replaced with new timeless Waypoint cabinets, featuring a two-tone combination of Linen for the upper cabinets and Maple Rye for the base cabinets.
A new island was built, featuring cabinetry on one side and a beadboard around the back and sides of the island for a decorative touch. To further enhance functionality, hidden outlets were installed and three West Elm Henry Pendant Lights now hang over the island, creating a striking visual feature.
The countertops were upgraded to Della Terra Quartz in Calacatta Divine. This material extends around the new kitchen window and serves as a sleek backsplash beneath the cabinets.
A Blanco Diamond Single Basin Undermount Sink in white was installed, paired with a touch-activated Delta Stryke Faucet in Lumicoat Arctic Stainless, blending style with practicality and easy function for day to day use.

A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting.
The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet.
Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background.
The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

The Home
Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home.
As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams
gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines.
Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a
wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer
comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to
motivate you.
The Builder
Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals.
As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience.
The Interior Design
Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

A broader view of the new kitchen, showing ample space for everyday activities and large enough for entertaining. Pure Lee Photography
Open concept kitchen - huge transitional u-shaped open concept kitchen idea in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula
Open concept kitchen - huge transitional u-shaped open concept kitchen idea in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting.
The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet.
Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background.
The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

Sometimes we like it traditional! This family that is very active in their community, needed a kitchen that will endure a lot of traffic, and have ample storage for oversized cookware and serving pieces, to be able to accommodate the weekly Shabbos Kiddish that they host. Can you spot the hiding place for the huge cholont pot?

It’s a complete kitchen remodeling with a large island to be the gathering space for the entire family or enjoy solo for morning coffee or brunch with tools that are both attractive and comfy for hours of seated pleasure. Our kitchen experts assisted in selecting the right lighting for the kitchen to allow for ample illumination of every activity area from the food prep station to the kitchen island. We used grey mosaic tiles for the backsplash. We used Quartz white countertop with a drop-in sink. The flooring was dark brown hardwood tiles. It was a wonderful open-plan kitchen

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four.
The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area.
Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove.
Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen.
The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher.
We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash.
The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall.
We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four.
The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area.
Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove.
Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen.
The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher.
We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash.
The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall.
We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

Sometimes we like it traditional! This family that is very active in their community, needed a kitchen that will endure a lot of traffic, and have ample storage for oversized cookware and serving pieces, to be able to accommodate the weekly Shabbos Kiddish that they host. Can you spot the hiding place for the huge cholont pot?

Perched in a serene and sun-drenched south-facing location, this extraordinary A-frame home is a rare architectural gem, offering uninterrupted mountain and forest views from every window. The design effortlessly blends mid-century charm with modern sensibility, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both stylish and functional and deeply grounded in the Japanese history of the A-frame architectural style.
The open floor plan is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into a bright and airy kitchen. Both spaces are enhanced by custom cabinetry and natural stone countertops, offering a perfect balance of luxury and comfort. Connecting these areas is a stunning living atrium, a lush green space that infuses the home with healthy, humidified air and natural beauty.
The master suite, occupying the entire second level, is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. With soaring 25-foot ceilings, this expansive retreat offers breathtaking views, a walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom equipped with a rejuvenating steam shower. The versatile space is ample enough to accommodate a home office, making it a true retreat within the home.
Step outside, and you’ll discover lush outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment. Multiple areas, including expansive redwood decks, a flagstone patio, a fire pit, and hot tub that provide endless opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. The outdoor wood sauna adds a touch of luxury, offering a serene escape after a day of mountain activities.
This A-frame home is more than just a residence; it is a tribute to the design and craftsmanship that is rooted in the Japanese style where the A-frame can trace its origin.

This country house offers a blend of contemporary design and cozy bungalow charm, perfect for those who appreciate stunning views. Its elegant interior boasts multiple vantage points, whether overlooking a lake, river, mountains, golf course, or formal gardens. Siding bay windows and arched windows cleverly conceal the two-car garage, adding to its striking appeal. Inside, a functional layout encompasses a spacious living room with a central fireplace, a flowing dining room connected to a modern kitchen island, and a relaxing backyard lanai. The kitchen's unique step ceiling and beam add a touch of flair. The first floor also features practical amenities like a utility room, storage, and even a dog shower area. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a split bathroom with a spacious dressing area and spa-like amenities. Additional bedrooms, a family living room, and a work station provide ample space for various activities. The lower level hosts a gym, kids' playroom, and theater, ensuring endless entertainment options. In summary, this home offers luxurious living, fantastic entertainment, and breathtaking vistas.

Pool Elevation
This modern farmhouse exudes elegance with its steel-clad exterior, Rocky Mountain Castlestone accents, and a charming cupola. Floor-to-ceiling Marvin windows flood the living spaces with natural light and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. A stamped concrete patio overlooks the in-ground pool, gazebo, and outdoor kitchen, creating a luxurious outdoor retreat The property features a built-in trampoline, a putting green for active recreation, and a five-stall garage for ample storage. Accessed through a gated entrance with a long, scenic drive, a stone-covered bridge welcomes you to this idyllic retreat, seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with rustic charm.
Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc., General Contractor; Helman Sechrist Architecture, Architect; JJ Osterloo Design, Designer; Photography by Marie Kinney & Amanda McMahon
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