Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A 55" wide laundry closet packs it in. The closet's former configuration was side by side machines on pedestals with a barely accessible shelf above. The kitty litter box was located to the left of the closet on the floor - see before photo. By stacking the machines, there was enough room for a small counter for folding, a drying bar and a few more accessible shelves. The best part is there is now also room for the kitty litter box. Unseen in the photo is the concealed cat door. Note that the support panel for the countertop has been notched out in the back to provide easy access to the water shut off to the clothes washer. A Kitchen That Works LLC

The exterior of this home is a modern composition of intersecting masses and planes, all cleanly proportioned. The natural wood overhang and front door stand out from the monochromatic taupe/bronze color scheme. http://www.kipnisarch.com Cable Photo/Wayne Cable http://selfmadephoto.com

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Boise

Artisan Home Tour, June 7-15th, 2014 Home #9 by Traditions by Donnay Homes Jim Kruger, LandMark Photography http://www.ArtisanHomeTour.org

NuCore Basic Golden Oak Plank | This NuCore Basic Golden Oak Plank is 4mm and has a 25 year residential warranty. Found exclusively at Floor & Decor, NuCore is a 100% waterproof floor that looks and feels like real hardwood. NuCore can be installed in virtually any room in the home or business including kitchens, full bathrooms and basements. NuCore is quick and easy to install! It features a floating locking installation method that can be installed immediately with no acclimation waiting time needed. The planks are extra rigid and can be installed directly over most existing floors and slightly irregular subfloors with no subfloor telegraphing concerns. No glue, nails or underlayment are needed for installation. To cut the product, simply score it with a knife and snap, or use a laminate flooring cutter. To maintain, simply sweep or wet mop.

Photo of a traditional bathroom in New York City Photo: Elizabeth Dooley
Example of a small classic 3/4 gray tile and stone tile alcove bathtub design in New York with a two-piece toilet, gray walls and a pedestal sink

Photography by Ryan Davis | CG&S Design-Build
1950s kitchen photo in Austin

Dining
Mid-sized country medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room photo in Portland Maine with white walls

This peninsula has a storage cabinet with pullout shelf and touch latch instead pulls. Extra storage space with easy access. Photos by Simpson Photography

This main floor remodel in Lenexa, Kansas, was the third phase of a full-home transformation for our longtime clients. After previously renovating their basement and primary bathroom, they invited us back to reimagine the heart of their home with fresh perspective and elevated function. The entryway was completely transformed from a builder-basic pass-through into a bright, welcoming focal point that sets the tone for the entire main floor. In the kitchen, we reworked the layout to improve flow and maximize storage, while introducing timeless finishes and thoughtful details that now carry throughout the home. The family room was redesigned to feel warm, cohesive, and connected—complete with custom built-ins and a refreshed fireplace. We also converted the former laundry room into a fully functional prep kitchen, and redesigned the mudroom to meet the demands of daily life without compromising style. This project reflects a balance of beauty, utility, and personal expression, with every space tailored to support how this family lives and gathers in their home.

Major gut renovation of this coastal estate preserved its basic layout while expanding the kitchen. A veranda and a pair of gazebos were also added to the home to maximize outdoor living and the water views. The interior merged the homeowners eclectic style with the traditional style of the home. Photographer: James R. Salomon

In this kitchen remodel, the door to the pantry/laundry room was relocated (and replaced with a metal door) to give the owner more countertop space, but the kitchen is otherwise using the same basic kitchen layout. Everything in this kitchen is new, including all cabinets, appliances, lighting, etc. The homeowner wanted light, wide-plank wood floors for a Scandinavian feel, so they opted for Westover Oak throughout the home and removed the old laminate flooring.

Homeowners aimed to bring the lovely outdoors into better view when they removed the two 90's dated columns that divided the kitchen from the family room and eat-in area. They also transformed the range wall when they added two wood encasement windows which frame the custom zinc hood and allow a soft light to penetrate the kitchen. Custom beaded inset cabinetry was designed with a busy family of 5 in mind. A coffee station hides behind the appliance garage, the paper towel holder is partially concealed in a rolling drawer and three custom pullout drawers with soft close hinges hold many items that would otherwise be located on the countertops or under the sink. A 48" Viking gas range took the place of a 30" electric cooktop and a Bosch microwave drawer is now located in the island to make room for a newly added beverage cooler. Due to space and budget constraints, we kept the same basic footprint so every space was carefully planned for function and design. The family stayed true to their casual lifestyle with the black honed countertops but added a little bling with the rustic crystal chandelier, crystal prism arched sconces and calcutta gold herringbone backsplash. But the owner's favorite add was the custom island designed as an antique furniture piece with an essenza blue quartzite countertop cut with a demi-bull stepout. The kids can now sit at the ample counter and enjoy their breakfast or finish homework in the comfortable, cherry red swivel stools which add a pop of color to the otherwise understated tones. This newly remodeled kitchen checked all the homeowner's desires.

Jennifer Downey
Mid-sized trendy u-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Mid-sized farmhouse galley porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen photo with white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, ceramic backsplash, an undermount sink, an island and gray countertops

Example of a large danish u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen idea in Tampa with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, green backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island