From Cramped and Awkward to Delightfully Spacious. We recently completed a project for a client in Bronxville NY, who had purchased a newly renovated home. Among its new features was a less than inspiring builder grade kitchen. Nothing in this misguided renovation was to the new owners taste, nor did it function well. Out went the “Box Store” cabinets and laminate counters, as well as the awkward wall that shoved the refrigerator into an odd corner. At our suggestion, the client switched the locations of the family room and the dining room, placing the dining room now as part of the kitchen and allowing for much better flow. The old layout was replaced with a much more workable “L” shape, augmented by a spacious island. The microwave relocated from over the range to a much better placement in the island, enabled us to include a beautiful hood, creating a lovely focal point. Painted Mouser cabinets and granite countertops complete the look. Now the kitchen functions much more efficiently and looks fabulous!

Inspiration for a transitional formal and open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor, coffered ceiling and wainscoting living room remodel in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and no tv

Family bathroom for three small kids with double ended bath and separate shower, two vanity units and mirror cabinets. Photos: Fraser Marr
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Oxfordshire

With designer Carolina George http://www.carolinageorge.com Photo: Michael Stavaridis

Joanne Bechhoff Vacant Staging - This family room had an awkward wall that was not really part of the space. Instead of using the traditional accent table we went with a large wood wall sculpture creating visual interest and adding a small ottoman below. The small grouping is not only attractive, but the ottoman can be incorporated into the family room space when additional seating is needed.

Joanne Bechhoff Front entry of a newly remodeled home.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor foyer remodel in New York

An awkward space can provide plenty of opportunities for storage. Using products from The Container Store like the Elfa Overdoor Rack, white storage bins with handles, Expand-a-shelf risers for cans, and other intentionally selected storage containers, we were able to maximize the space in this small pantry. Every kitchen organization project we do includes purging of unwanted/expired items, removal of items for donation/recycling/selling, space planning, product sourcing and purchasing, and then organizing each space for maximum functionality. Working with a professional organizer for your home organization projects reduces stress and allows you to focus on what you do best while ensuring your goals for your spaces are met!

Out went the “Box Store” cabinets and laminate counters, as well as the awkward wall that shoved the refrigerator into an odd corner. At our suggestion, the client switched the locations of the family room and the dining room, placing the dining room now as part of the kitchen and allowing for much better flow. The old layout was replaced with a much more workable “L” shape, augmented by a spacious island. The microwave relocated from over the range to a much better placement in the island, enabled us to include a beautiful hood, creating a lovely focal point. Painted Mouser cabinets and granite countertops complete the look. Now the kitchen functions much more efficiently and looks fabulous!

Marc Fowler
Mid-sized freestanding desk dark wood floor study room photo in Ottawa with white walls

How to stage an awkward hallway that connected the kitchen to the master bedroom
Elegant hallway photo in Other

From Cramped and Awkward to Delightfully Spacious. We recently completed a project for a client in Bronxville NY, who had purchased a newly renovated home. Among its new features was a less than inspiring builder grade kitchen. Nothing in this misguided renovation was to the new owners taste, nor did it function well. Out went the “Box Store” cabinets and laminate counters, as well as the awkward wall that shoved the refrigerator into an odd corner. At our suggestion, the client switched the locations of the family room and the dining room, placing the dining room now as part of the kitchen and allowing for much better flow. The old layout was replaced with a much more workable “L” shape, augmented by a spacious island. The microwave relocated from over the range to a much better placement in the island, enabled us to include a beautiful hood, creating a lovely focal point. Painted Mouser cabinets and granite countertops complete the look. Now the kitchen functions much more efficiently and looks fabulous!

After
Walk-in shower - mid-sized transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor walk-in shower idea in Portland with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Sydney

Sian Richards
Inspiration for a large coastal dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, paneled appliances, recessed-panel cabinets, subway tile backsplash and no island

Hancock and Moore chairs bring durabilty of leather with interesting fabric combinations to enhance conversation nook.
Eclectic living room photo in Kansas City

After
Mid-sized transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor walk-in shower photo in Portland with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Inspiration for a timeless formal carpeted and beige floor living room remodel in Moscow with black walls and no fireplace

Bedroom - contemporary carpeted bedroom idea in London with white walls