Mid-sized country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Free ebook, CREATING THE IDEAL KITCHEN Download now → http://bit.ly/idealkitchen This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Tim Lee Photography Fairfield County Award Winning Architect
Example of a large classic dark wood floor foyer design in New York with white walls and a glass front door

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

This residential building in Sausalito, CA was originally constructed following WWII as a "vertical duplex" with two identical 800 square feet bedroom units stacked one on top of the other over a full height crawl space. We begin with two existing and one potential floor levels. The project's goal was to combine the two units into one single family residence; and to develop the former crawl space as the Owner's study (and future accessory in-law unit). New internal stairs communicate between the three floors; and the interior was reconfigured to meet 21st Century living needs within the existing, limited floor plate. The upslope lot provides views to the San Francisco Bay. Living functions are located on the top floor to capitalize on the vistas from outdoor living on the new exterior, ipe deck. The completely new Kitchen, expanding into borrowed space from a former closet is contiguous with and expands the living area. Each floor's bath is also completely new - providing a spacious feel within the limits of each floor's square footage. Prior to replacing all interior finishes, the structure was upgraded to comply with current seismic demands. Exterior decks running the depth of the residence were reconstructed; the cable rail system between posts increases one's sense of view to the Bay. At the point of transition from street/parking to the Owner's deck, an organic, hand-forged entry gate welcomes one home.

This residential building in Sausalito, CA was originally constructed following WWII as a "vertical duplex" with two identical 800 square feet bedroom units stacked one on top of the other over a full height crawl space. We begin with two existing and one potential floor levels. The project's goal was to combine the two units into one single family residence; and to develop the former crawl space as the Owner's study (and future accessory in-law unit). New internal stairs communicate between the three floors; and the interior was reconfigured to meet 21st Century living needs within the existing, limited floor plate. The upslope lot provides views to the San Francisco Bay. Living functions are located on the top floor to capitalize on the vistas from outdoor living on the new exterior, ipe deck. The completely new Kitchen, expanding into borrowed space from a former closet is contiguous with and expands the living area. Each floor's bath is also completely new - providing a spacious feel within the limits of each floor's square footage. Prior to replacing all interior finishes, the structure was upgraded to comply with current seismic demands. Exterior decks running the depth of the residence were reconstructed; the cable rail system between posts increases one's sense of view to the Bay. At the point of transition from street/parking to the Owner's deck, an organic, hand-forged entry gate welcomes one home.

When these Canton, MA homeowners desired to upgrade their childrens’ bathroom, they were referred to Renovisions who were grateful to accept the task. The clients were unhappy with the existing cramped floor plan, lack of storage, old and drafty windows, outdated fixtures and overall lackluster aesthetic. Renovisions designed the new room to not only meet the client’s goals, but exceeded them abundantly. Mobility in the space was limited due to the door swing into the room. Renovisions recommended replacing the currenmt door with a pocket door in an arch-top beaded design to match the nearby bedroom doors, while also upgrading the hallway linen closet with new shelving and same styled door. Renovisions also increased the layout by borrowing space from the adjacent dining room. There is now more room for the handsome, quartered-mahogany wall-hung vanity with linen tower. Since the homeowners requested a contemporary look, the design team focused on choosing more modern products including a soaking tub, minimalistic square designed shower heads, tub filler, single lever faucet and a large rectangular sink. The white quartz countertop with wide veining and waterfall edge, along with the striking larger format subway tile finished with square edge chrome profiles contribute to the clean aethetic and modern appeal. From the sleek porcelain plank floor tile, new double-mulled Marvin casement windows and recessed lighting that provides just the right amount of light, the end result: a one-of-a-kind bathroom, a unique and modern ‘Revitalized Room’.

The buyers of a 30-year-old townhome wanted a complete renovation to transition the property into contemporary open-space living. Walls and windows were removed, the sunken living room’s floor was raised, ceilings were opened up to soaring vaults and space from the large main bedroom was borrowed to make for a larger main bath suite. New ceiling geometry was designed to create an eye-pleasing attribute and a comprehensive lighting plan and fixtures were coordinated to feature each room’s focal points. Working with the homeowners’ tastes in mind, Karin selected a neutral color palette for wall colors, hardwood flooring, stone surfaces and carpeting. The kitchen layout design focused on workability and flow, with counter stools for quick bites and a bistro table and chairs for casual dining. A wet-bar was added across from a small parlor for reading and relaxing on sunny mornings. The living room’s focal point is a massive window-wall that opens to the stunning outdoors and deck, which was also raised to provide 100% single-floor living. The attractive fireplace features texture-patterned, multi-material tiles. The main bath suite features tandem sinks, a curb-less shower and a tasteful storage center for linens and personal items. All plumbing fixtures throughout the home are of a clean, contemporary design. Virtually all of the home’s furniture, rugs and accessories are new following comprehensive search and selection by Karin and the homeowners. This 11-month project successfully produced a very warm and inviting new home.

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in San Francisco

When Family comes first, you spend a lot of time surrounded by the family you were born into and the ones you “adopted” along the way. Some of your kids crawl, some walk on two legs and some on four. No matter how they get there, they always end up in the kitchen. This home needed a kitchen designed for an ever growing family. By borrowing unused space from a formal dining room, removing some walls while adding back others, we were able to expand the kitchen space, add a main level laundry room with home office center and provide much needed pantry storage. Sightlines were opened up and a peninsula with seating provides the perfect spot for gathering. A large bench seat provides additional storage and seating for an oversized family style table. Crisp white finishes coupled with warm rich stains, balances out the space and makes is feel like home. Meals, laundry, homework and stories about your day come to life in this kitchen designed for family living and family loving. Kustom Home Design specializes in creating unique home designs crafted for your life.

This residential building in Sausalito, CA was originally constructed following WWII as a "vertical duplex" with two identical 800 square feet bedroom units stacked one on top of the other over a full height crawl space. We begin with two existing and one potential floor levels. The project's goal was to combine the two units into one single family residence; and to develop the former crawl space as the Owner's study (and future accessory in-law unit). New internal stairs communicate between the three floors; and the interior was reconfigured to meet 21st Century living needs within the existing, limited floor plate. The upslope lot provides views to the San Francisco Bay. Living functions are located on the top floor to capitalize on the vistas from outdoor living on the new exterior, ipe deck. The completely new Kitchen, expanding into borrowed space from a former closet is contiguous with and expands the living area. Each floor's bath is also completely new - providing a spacious feel within the limits of each floor's square footage. Prior to replacing all interior finishes, the structure was upgraded to comply with current seismic demands. Exterior decks running the depth of the residence were reconstructed; the cable rail system between posts increases one's sense of view to the Bay. At the point of transition from street/parking to the Owner's deck, an organic, hand-forged entry gate welcomes one home.

The completed kitchen viewed from the pantry through to the front porch. From this angle, the cabinets that were salvaged from north wall are now installed in the pantry using the original hinges from the east wall of the kitchen. The pulls are brass penny "bow" style reproductions from Van Dyke Restorers. The shelf with a display of cafe au lait bowls was an ad lib designed to consume some of the space between the bottom of the cabinets and the countertop, with the curves on the end piece borrowed by the contractor from the brim of Keith's grandfather's straw hat hanging on the hall tree (top right of dining room). White subway tile (Daltile Restore Bright White 3" x 6" with Mapei "Iron" grout) backsplash carries over from the east wall. The salvaged clear fir from the kitchen floor is used as the countertop in the pantry and bar. A new 20" deep cabinet was constructed for over the fridge to store oversize items. The brick chimney and east wall of the pantry have been exposed and sealed. The original fir floor has been removed and replaced with oak. Two new (old) overhead lights were added. In the kitchen a vintage farmhouse fixture obtained from North End Lampworks replaces a contemporary fixture. In the dining room, a 100-year-old wrought iron chandelier purchased from CenturyOfLighting.com's Etsy page was added. The new Zephyr Lux flush-mount island exhaust hood and LED light is in position above the slide in range adjacent to the bar. New cabinets and "Absolute Black" granite countertops.

This en suite primary bathroom in Peters Township feels both timeless and fresh, thanks to a classic palette of marble tile, chrome fixtures, and a soothing blue and white paint scheme. To maximize space, we started by removing a dated garden tub and large double vanity. This created ample space for two seperate 48” vanities with more useable storage, as well as a separate free standing bathtub and tub filler. We reconfigured the remaining space by upgrading the former cramped, dark stall shower as a spacious new shower with a bench. To add more privacy, we also utilized the new shower layout to create a toilet niche tucked out of sight in the rear corner of the room. Chrome shower fixtures and bathroom accessories add a classic look throughout, while a natural teak root bath stool near the tub borrows from the warm wood finish of the vanities. Striking Farrow & Ball wallpaper creates bookend accent walls behind the tub and toilet. As light in the space changes throughout the day, the wallpaper’s subtle metallic pattern takes on changing tones — sometimes warm, sometimes cool — yet always perfectly matched to the serene blue wall paint. A machine-washable Chindi style fringed rug made from recycled denim softens the space, while cozy white bath towels add plush texture throughout.

This residential building in Sausalito, CA was originally constructed following WWII as a "vertical duplex" with two identical 800 square feet bedroom units stacked one on top of the other over a full height crawl space. We begin with two existing and one potential floor levels. The project's goal was to combine the two units into one single family residence; and to develop the former crawl space as the Owner's study (and future accessory in-law unit). New internal stairs communicate between the three floors; and the interior was reconfigured to meet 21st Century living needs within the existing, limited floor plate. The upslope lot provides views to the San Francisco Bay. Living functions are located on the top floor to capitalize on the vistas from outdoor living on the new exterior, ipe deck. The completely new Kitchen, expanding into borrowed space from a former closet is contiguous with and expands the living area. Each floor's bath is also completely new - providing a spacious feel within the limits of each floor's square footage. Prior to replacing all interior finishes, the structure was upgraded to comply with current seismic demands. Exterior decks running the depth of the residence were reconstructed; the cable rail system between posts increases one's sense of view to the Bay. At the point of transition from street/parking to the Owner's deck, an organic, hand-forged entry gate welcomes one home.

When Family comes first, you spend a lot of time surrounded by the family you were born into and the ones you “adopted” along the way. Some of your kids crawl, some walk on two legs and some on four. No matter how they get there, they always end up in the kitchen. This home needed a kitchen designed for an ever growing family. By borrowing unused space from a formal dining room, removing some walls while adding back others, we were able to expand the kitchen space, add a main level laundry room with home office center and provide much needed pantry storage. Sightlines were opened up and a peninsula with seating provides the perfect spot for gathering. A large bench seat provides additional storage and seating for an oversized family style table. Crisp white finishes coupled with warm rich stains, balances out the space and makes is feel like home. Meals, laundry, homework and stories about your day come to life in this kitchen designed for family living and family loving. Kustom Home Design specializes in creating unique home designs crafted for your life.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Updated Spec Home: Basement Bathroom In our Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath, we reveal the newest addition to my mom and sister’s home – a half bath in the Basement. Since they were spending so much time in their Basement Family Room, the need to add a bath on that level quickly became apparent. Fortunately, they had unfinished storage area we could borrow from to make a nice size 8′ x 5′ bath. Working with a Budget and a Sister We were working with a budget, but as usual, my sister and I blew the budget on this awesome patterned tile flooring. (Don’t worry design clients – I can stick to a budget when my sister is not around to be a bad influence!). With that said, I do think this flooring makes a great focal point for the bath and worth the expense! On the Walls We painted the walls Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW6204). Then, we brought in lots of interest and color with this gorgeous acrylic wrapped canvas art and oversized decorative medallions. All of the plumbing fixtures, lighting and vanity were purchased at a local big box store. We were able to find streamlined options that work great in the space. We used brushed nickel as a light and airy metal option. As you can see this Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath is a functional and fabulous addition to this gorgeous home. Be sure to check out these other Powder Baths we have designed (here and here). And That’s a Wrap! Unless my mom and sister build an addition, we have come to the end of our blog series Updated Spec Home. I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed being a part of making this Spec House a warm, inviting, and gorgeous home for two of my very favorite people!

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.