Example of a trendy kitchen design in Other with soapstone countertops and blue countertops

Balcony - small contemporary balcony idea in New York with a roof extension

Bathroom - contemporary master bathroom idea in Portland with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Photo by Mike Casey Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints. OPENING UP THE KITCHEN Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before. Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house. CREATING COMFORT We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer. We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat. All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.

The rug is only being used in photos to hide the ginormous floor crack we discovered after we moved in. I swear we do not actually keep a gross hair- and bacteria-collecting rug in our bathroom! Photo © Bethany Nauert

Addition and remodel of 1950's Roman brick rambler
Example of a minimalist open concept kitchen design in Seattle with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops and stainless steel appliances

Master Bath with continuous limestone slab "horse trough" sink with makeup counter. At right custom oiled teak deck with whirlpool tub below, resting on porcelain floor tiles. Large quartered ash window frame with milk glass sound barrier, with concealed LED lighting all around, surrounded by artisan hand finished plaster walls. Video narrative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9t7nY-c-7g

Elegant brown floor laundry room photo in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Cottage kitchen photo in Salt Lake City

Ryann Ford
Farmhouse detached shed photo in Austin

Inspiration for a transitional subway tile black floor bathroom remodel in Chicago

Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, granite backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Free ebook, CREATING THE IDEAL KITCHEN Download now → http://bit.ly/idealkitchen The hall bath for this client started out a little dated with its 1970’s color scheme and general wear and tear, but check out the transformation! The floor is really the focal point here, it kind of works the same way wallpaper would, but -- it’s on the floor. I love this graphic tile, patterned after Moroccan encaustic, or cement tile, but this one is actually porcelain at a very affordable price point and much easier to install than cement tile. Once we had homeowner buy-in on the floor choice, the rest of the space came together pretty easily – we are calling it “transitional, Moroccan, industrial.” Key elements are the traditional vanity, Moroccan shaped mirrors and flooring, and plumbing fixtures, coupled with industrial choices -- glass block window, a counter top that looks like cement but that is actually very functional Corian, sliding glass shower door, and simple glass light fixtures. The final space is bright, functional and stylish. Quite a transformation, don’t you think? Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Photography by Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with marble countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, paneled appliances, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash and an island

Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Portland Maine with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an island and marble backsplash

Classic Travertine Mocha Onyx Travertine Photo Courtesy of Creative Remodeling and Design http://creativerd.com/

This salvaged kitchen sink was found awhile ago by the client who new she wanted to use it if ever she renovated. Integrated beautifully into the Danby marble countertop and backsplash with new fixtures it is a real joy to clean up. This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating an open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Photo by Anne Gummerson
Tuscan kitchen photo in Baltimore with granite countertops

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops