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.

Phoenix Photographic
Living room - large contemporary open concept and formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Other with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Photo: RDM
Mid-sized mid-century modern blue one-story wood exterior home photo in Kansas City with a hip roof

Master Bathroom - White inset cabinetry
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized coastal master marble floor and white floor freestanding bathtub idea in Tampa with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and beaded inset cabinets

Outdoor living areas are a fundamental part of this design and cover the entire backside of the house. A spacious great room provides unobstructed views of the outdoor space containing a wood-burning fireplace and kitchen, accessed by a 16′ pocketing glass door system. The kitchen features double islands and a 60″ wide by 68″ high Gas Strut Window by ActivWall. The window opens up and out on sturdy struts to create a serving bar for the outdoor space. It is convenient for passing food between the kitchen and grill, and the extended countertop can also be used as a serving area.

Outdoor living areas are a fundamental part of this design and cover the entire backside of the house. A spacious great room provides unobstructed views of the outdoor space containing a wood-burning fireplace and kitchen, accessed by a 16′ pocketing glass door system. The kitchen features double islands and a 60″ wide by 68″ high Gas Strut Window by ActivWall. The window opens up and out on sturdy struts to create a serving bar for the outdoor space. It is convenient for passing food between the kitchen and grill, and the extended countertop can also be used as a serving area.

Here the two-toned siding was replaced with one consistent color and style. The deck on the right side was also reworked, and all new windows and doors installed. Instead of a rustic cabin in the woods, this home has a sleek new look and feel.

Outdoor living areas are a fundamental part of this design and cover the entire backside of the house. A spacious great room provides unobstructed views of the outdoor space containing a wood-burning fireplace and kitchen, accessed by a 16′ pocketing glass door system. The kitchen features double islands and a 60″ wide by 68″ high Gas Strut Window by ActivWall. The window opens up and out on sturdy struts to create a serving bar for the outdoor space. It is convenient for passing food between the kitchen and grill, and the extended countertop can also be used as a serving area.

DIY Network
Inspiration for an industrial exterior home remodel in Seattle

House-back Built Photo
Example of a large 1950s black two-story wood exterior home design in Portland

Georgian-style, 10,000 SF, three-story home. The traditional look and feel of the home is emphasized throughout the interior with raised paneling, millwork, railings and wide wood strip flooring. The backside of the house explodes with the connecting rooms opening up to reveal a 180-degree view of the waterfront. David Burroughs

Mid-sized arts and crafts attached two-car carport photo in Chicago

Cape Cod-style home in South Tulsa which rich use of color and light. Builder: Homes by Mark Galbraith, LLC Photo Cred: Michelle Soden
Mid-sized beach style gray two-story stone exterior home photo in Other

We completely renovated a simple low-lying house for a university family by opening the back side with large windows and a wrap-around patio. The kitchen counter extends to the exterior, enhancing the sense of openness to the outside. Large overhanging soffits and horizontal cedar siding keep the house from overpowering the view and help it settle into the landscape. An expansive maple floor and white ceiling reinforce the horizontal sense of space. Phil Bond Photography

The complete renovation of this lake community bungalow resulted in a beautiful new kitchen with white cabinets, quartz counter tops, Asian Carrara backsplash and stainless steel appliances

barn horse stables
Large trendy detached barn photo in Miami

Inspiration for a small timeless concrete floor sunroom remodel in Cleveland with a standard ceiling

View from foyer to living. The wood wall is the backside of the cook wall in the kitchen. Lee Grider Photography - http://lgp.pixpawebsites.com/#/?i=413