This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Photo of a large modern partial sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Tampa for spring.

Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: Colonial Builders - Tim Schollart Interior Designer: Laura Davidson This large estate house was carefully crafted to compliment the rolling hillsides of the Midwest. Horizontal board & batten facades are sheltered by long runs of hipped roofs and are divided down the middle by the homes singular gabled wall. At the foyer, this gable takes the form of a classic three-part archway. Going through the archway and into the interior, reveals a stunning see-through fireplace surround with raised natural stone hearth and rustic mantel beams. Subtle earth-toned wall colors, white trim, and natural wood floors serve as a perfect canvas to showcase patterned upholstery, black hardware, and colorful paintings. The kitchen and dining room occupies the space to the left of the foyer and living room and is connected to two garages through a more secluded mudroom and half bath. Off to the rear and adjacent to the kitchen is a screened porch that features a stone fireplace and stunning sunset views. Occupying the space to the right of the living room and foyer is an understated master suite and spacious study featuring custom cabinets with diagonal bracing. The master bedroom’s en suite has a herringbone patterned marble floor, crisp white custom vanities, and access to a his and hers dressing area. The four upstairs bedrooms are divided into pairs on either side of the living room balcony. Downstairs, the terraced landscaping exposes the family room and refreshment area to stunning views of the rear yard. The two remaining bedrooms in the lower level each have access to an en suite bathroom.

Our client requested a design that reflected their need to renovate their dated bathroom into a transitional floor plan that would provide accessibility and function. The new shower design consists of a pony wall with a glass enclosure that has beautiful details of brushed nickel square glass clamps. The interior shower fittings entail geometric lines that lend a contemporary finish. A curbless shower and linear drain added an extra dimension of accessibility to the plan. In addition, a balance bar above the accessory niche was affixed to the wall for extra stability. The shower area also includes a folding teak wood bench seat that also adds to the comfort of the bathroom as well as to the accessibility factors. Improved lighting was created with LED Damp-location rated recessed lighting. LED sconces were also used to flank the Robern medicine cabinet which created realistic and flattering light. Designer: Marie Cairns Contractor: Charles Cairns Photographer: Michael Andrew

Photo: Esther Hershcovic © 2015 Houzz
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Tel Aviv

Kitchen in the Birch model home at Larkwood in Raynham, MA — Larkwood's largest floor plan at 2,830 sq ft with 3 bedrooms + den, 2.5 baths, and an oversized two-car garage. Fireplace with custom built-in shelving and hardwood floors throughout the main living area. Every buyer works one-on-one with Thorndike's in-house interior designer Nikkie Gaitan on every finish selection — countertops, cabinetry, flooring, tile, and fixtures

Danish hallway photo in London

Entertainers dream chef's kitchen - 1500 square feet of custom Wolf and Subzero appliances. The prep area features a butcher block T shaped island for tons of space. Open under the counter storage for easy access to pots and pans. Large 14 x 4 ft quartz topped island has bar seating on one side and plenty of serving space. The prep area features a butcher block T shaped island for tons of space. There are four sinks located throughout the kitchen for easy cleanup.

Living room - large rustic formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Houston with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The medicine cabinet in the middle of the glass units on the left and right was custom made to match the existing cabinets below.
Example of a large transitional master pebble tile ceramic tile doorless shower design in Columbus with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops and beige walls

Greg and Rose Christianson, founders of G. Christianson, built their house nearly 30 years ago and Rose was ready to update the kitchen. It was a darker part of the house with a wall between the formal dining room and kitchen blocking the natural light. Rose requested better organization, layout, and accessibility. Removing the wall brought in light from the formal dining room and the new soft grey custom cabinets create a brighter and more functional kitchen. The Alder island has 2 different height counters for ease of use. Soft white Cambria quartz counters, medium grey tile backsplash, and upgraded lighting from Hubbardton Forge transform this new space. The addition of the routed finger-hold along the perimeter edge of the countertops helps with grip and accessibility.

This custom floating deck was built to solve a tricky side-yard challenge—snow accumulation, uneven terrain, and obstructed access to basement window wells. We installed a sleek, weather-resistant composite deck system that floats above the grade and steps cleanly over two basement egress windows. The deck provides a dry, level walking surface in an otherwise sloped, icy zone. It’s built with proper clearance for drainage and venting, and framed with a self-supporting platform that keeps all utilities accessible. The fascia is mitered clean, matching the modern look of the home while protecting the framing below. Details Framing: Pressure-treated joists with adjustable deck blocks—no anchoring to foundation Decking: Grooved composite planks with hidden fasteners for a seamless surface Trim: Full-wrap mitered fascia around all visible sides Features: Cutout access over egress well; integrated step; zero-penetration design Conditions: Built during cold-weather season with snow on-site and minimal disruption to landscape Result The client now has year-round access along the home—no more slipping on ice or dodging around window wells. This deck brought utility and design together in a clean, functional install that looks like it was always meant to be there.

Greg and Rose Christianson, founders of G. Christianson, built their house nearly 30 years ago and Rose was ready to update the kitchen. It was a darker part of the house with a wall between the formal dining room and kitchen blocking the natural light. Rose requested better organization, layout, and accessibility. Removing the wall brought in light from the formal dining room and the new soft grey custom cabinets create a brighter and more functional kitchen. The Alder island has 2 different height counters for ease of use. Soft white Cambria quartz counters, medium grey tile backsplash, and upgraded lighting from Hubbardton Forge transform this new space. The addition of the routed finger-hold along the perimeter edge of the countertops helps with grip and accessibility.

Mudroom — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Reconfiguration • Custom Storage • Functional Entry Design) The original mudroom layout was cramped and inefficient, offering minimal storage and poor traffic flow. The garage door opened directly into a wall, the single corner closet provided limited accessibility to its sides, and there was no place for shoes, coats, or everyday landing items. The space lacked both organization and visual appeal. Key Issues in the Old Layout Garage door swung into a side wall, restricting movement Small corner closet with poor left/right access and inadequate capacity No dedicated shoe storage No seating or landing surface No mirror, making the space feel smaller and less functional Overall layout did not support daily use or family workflow New Layout & Built-In Storage Solutions The mudroom was completely reconfigured to create a balanced, efficient, and visually cohesive entry zone that supports everyday routines and maximizes available space. Wall-to-Wall Back Closet Full-width custom closet spans the entire back wall Equipped with double pocket doors for effortless access without blocking circulation Interior fitted with coat hanging space and top shelving for seasonal items Full-Height Shoe & Accessory Storage A dedicated tall cabinet provides: Bottom half: organized shoe storage Top half: adjustable shelves for accessories, baskets, or household essentials Built-In Combo Opposite the Closet A custom multifunctional unit includes: Walnut bench top for warmth, texture, and a natural design element Two deep drawers beneath the bench for gloves, hats, pet items, etc. Full-height mirror strategically placed to visually expand the room Open hanging storage for quick-access items Upper enclosed cabinet with adjustable shelving for concealed storage Additional Enhancements The garage door swing was reversed for proper ergonomics and easier entry Added crown molding throughout the space for a cohesive, finished look consistent with the rest of the renovation Upgraded lighting brightens the room and enhances the sense of cleanliness and order

Greg and Rose Christianson, founders of G. Christianson, built their house nearly 30 years ago and Rose was ready to update the kitchen. It was a darker part of the house with a wall between the formal dining room and kitchen blocking the natural light. Rose requested better organization, layout, and accessibility. Removing the wall brought in light from the formal dining room and the new soft grey custom cabinets create a brighter and more functional kitchen. The Alder island has 2 different height counters for ease of use. Soft white Cambria quartz counters, medium grey tile backsplash, and upgraded lighting from Hubbardton Forge transform this new space. The addition of the routed finger-hold along the perimeter edge of the countertops helps with grip and accessibility.

Greg and Rose Christianson, founders of G. Christianson, built their house nearly 30 years ago and Rose was ready to update the kitchen. It was a darker part of the house with a wall between the formal dining room and kitchen blocking the natural light. Rose requested better organization, layout, and accessibility. Removing the wall brought in light from the formal dining room and the new soft grey custom cabinets create a brighter and more functional kitchen. The Alder island has 2 different height counters for ease of use. Soft white Cambria quartz counters, medium grey tile backsplash, and upgraded lighting from Hubbardton Forge transform this new space. The addition of the routed finger-hold along the perimeter edge of the countertops helps with grip and accessibility.

Greg and Rose Christianson, founders of G. Christianson, built their house nearly 30 years ago and Rose was ready to update the kitchen. It was a darker part of the house with a wall between the formal dining room and kitchen blocking the natural light. Rose requested better organization, layout, and accessibility. Removing the wall brought in light from the formal dining room and the new soft grey custom cabinets create a brighter and more functional kitchen. The Alder island has 2 different height counters for ease of use. Soft white Cambria quartz counters, medium grey tile backsplash, and upgraded lighting from Hubbardton Forge transform this new space. The addition of the routed finger-hold along the perimeter edge of the countertops helps with grip and accessibility.

This custom floating deck was built to solve a tricky side-yard challenge—snow accumulation, uneven terrain, and obstructed access to basement window wells. We installed a sleek, weather-resistant composite deck system that floats above the grade and steps cleanly over two basement egress windows. The deck provides a dry, level walking surface in an otherwise sloped, icy zone. It’s built with proper clearance for drainage and venting, and framed with a self-supporting platform that keeps all utilities accessible. The fascia is mitered clean, matching the modern look of the home while protecting the framing below. Details Framing: Pressure-treated joists with adjustable deck blocks—no anchoring to foundation Decking: Grooved composite planks with hidden fasteners for a seamless surface Trim: Full-wrap mitered fascia around all visible sides Features: Cutout access over egress well; integrated step; zero-penetration design Conditions: Built during cold-weather season with snow on-site and minimal disruption to landscape Result The client now has year-round access along the home—no more slipping on ice or dodging around window wells. This deck brought utility and design together in a clean, functional install that looks like it was always meant to be there.