Large country open concept carpeted and beige floor family room library photo in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Example of a mid-sized classic master terra-cotta tile bathroom design in Baltimore with an undermount sink, white cabinets, solid surface countertops and blue walls

Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Atlanta

Photo: Esther Hershcovic © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Montreal

Example of a huge cottage white one-story mixed siding exterior home design in Los Angeles with a tile roof

Photo: Esther Hershcovich © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in New York

Example of a trendy backyard outdoor patio shower design in San Diego

Example of a 1950s living room design in Las Vegas

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

Contractor: Blue Sky Builders Kitchen Cabinets: KraftMaid Door: Lyndale Perimeter: Lagoon Island: Dove White

Bedroom - large farmhouse master carpeted and white floor bedroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls and a standard fireplace

These treatments were the final piece of this family room makeover.
Family room - large traditional enclosed light wood floor family room idea in Manchester with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Sharon Gottula Photography
Bedroom - eclectic bedroom idea in Kansas City

Bedroom - transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Other with gray walls

The open plan home leads seamlessly from the kitchen to this great social area. A comfortable seating area for coffee and cake or wine and nibbles on an evening and also a hanging chair, great for reading a book or watching the waterfront traffic sail by.

The attic play/guest room is now bright and open.
Example of a mid-sized classic carpeted and beige floor hallway design in Boston with gray walls

The open plan home leads seamlessly from the great room or the entrance into the cozy lounge.
Living room - mid-sized modern open concept dark wood floor, vaulted ceiling and wall paneling living room idea in Portland Maine with blue walls and a corner tv

Kitchen - modern kitchen idea in Atlanta

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.