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.

Vertical sheer shading is the answer to covering your slider but not totally blocking the light.
Example of a transitional family room design in New York

This photo features Milliken's Delicate Frame nylon carpet. The carpet was sourced and installed by Schroeder. **We can only answer questions about the carpet.** Design by Butter Lutz Interiors. Photos by Patrick Wong.

This photo features Milliken's Delicate Frame nylon carpet. The carpet was sourced and installed by Schroeder. **We can only answer questions about the carpet.** Design by Butter Lutz Interiors. Photos by Patrick Wong.

If the question of #diningtablegoals ever came up, it'd be answered by this @phillipsco live edge dining table. Paired with Bernhardt chairs and Currey & Co. chandeliers

Buffalo Lumber specializes in Custom Milled, Factory Finished Wood Siding and Paneling. We ONLY do real wood.
Inspiration for a farmhouse living room remodel in Tampa

Study room - small transitional built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in New York

Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in New York

A recent renovation of a luxury 1 bedroom apartment on Manhattan's Park Avenue. Elegant and simple, modern aesthetic. Kate Glicksberg Photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and an undermount sink

Bernard Andre Photography Spectrum Interior Design I am the photographer and cannot answer any questions regarding the design, finishing, or furnishing. For any question you can contact the architect: http://www.spectruminteriordesign.com/

Cedarshed Boathouse with 5 foot door access is the answer to kayak and canoe storage.

Kitchen answering and storage built in white shaker

There was no true foyer, so we quickly did a makeshift area where you could toss your keys when you came home and check your face & hair before answering the door.

Customer wanted a warm and cozy space to sit with his wife and enjoy their morning coffee. This 4 Season Sunroom was the perfect answer.

This photo features Milliken's Delicate Frame nylon carpet. The carpet was sourced and installed by Schroeder. **We can only answer questions about the carpet.** Design by Butter Lutz Interiors. Photos by Patrick Wong.

The stair runner was custom made by Schroeder. The material is wool. *We can only answer questions about the carpet/area rug.* Photos by Trent Lee Photography.

Trendy bedroom photo in Chicago with gray walls

Italian cypress, lavender, cone flower and golden locust answer to the Mediterrean Style of this home with casual romance. Donna Giguere, APLD
Photo of a large mediterranean full sun front yard garden path in Portland.

Hallway - huge traditional light wood floor hallway idea in Los Angeles with gray walls