Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at maximizing the flow and functionality of a foodie-level kitchen with multiple cooks, while enhancing the family’s preferences for spending time in the space together: Create a better workflow Space out the appliances for better use of the kitchen area Make the space feel larger visually Update all materials so the kitchen isn’t all wood No seating at an island or peninsula Larger walkways Brighten up the space with more lights and lighter colors THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: The idea was to work within the current walls of the kitchen. Without removing walls, it was more of a challenge to give the kitchen a larger, new feel. An island in the middle area was part of the original vision. Could a different countertop arrangement incorporate the same purpose? The homeowners are big cooks so creating room for a larger refrigerator and more countertop space by the range were musts! The sink and range were originally right next to each other, making things tough for two cooks to work at the same time. How could the new space allow for two work areas while minimizing traffic jams? THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions fell into place once the overall layout was revamped to improve flow and functionality: The refrigerator was originally in the middle of the main walkway. To gain more walk space and room for a larger refrigerator, we moved this appliance to the back wall. The final design still has a peninsula but we flipped it to the opposite wall. This way, the walkway is more accommodating for traffic entering and exiting through the back garage door. This also gave way to a longer run of countertop space along the cooking wall. To take cooking to another level, we implemented a speed oven! The large window by the eating area is also nice for cooks to see, so we kept the sink in the peninsula. To gain space for storage and make the kitchen feel larger, we brought the wall cabinets all the way to the ceiling. What once felt tight now feels grand!

First impressions do matter. This beautiful Downers Grove home had such an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, but the entry into the home was lacking. We took the beautiful bones and added to the character to brighten and add function to the space. By replacing the lighting, brightening the walls, and adding comfortable furniture, the first impression of this home is now welcoming and inviting.

After building a home in North Carolina and using their smaller St. Louis Home when they were in town our clients decided to move to St. Louis permanently and contacted us to completely gut their existing non-functional kitchen into something that works for their storage and cooking needs. Functionality was top of mind as both homeowners are exquisite chefs. They needed room to store all their cooking essentials in easy to access locations, they wanted to open the kitchen up by removing a peninsula that shrunk the room and left space for only one cook at a time. They also wanted to brighten and lighten the finishes. The kitchen felt heavy with black countertops, dark floors and lighting that was subpar. We completely gutted the kitchen by moving the location of the sink and dishwasher from the peninsula, putting cabinetry along the two main walls in the kitchen. Cabinets were replaced with thoughtfully planned out drawers for easy access and convenient pantry cabinets with pull out shelves. The cabinets were taken to the ceiling to take advantage of extra space for storage as well as making the room feel taller. White countertops and well-placed lighting throughout the kitchen and under the cabinets brighten the room while the green handmade tiles bring dimension and interest that compliment the earth tones of the cabinetry.

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at maximizing the flow and functionality of a foodie-level kitchen with multiple cooks, while enhancing the family’s preferences for spending time in the space together: Create a better workflow Space out the appliances for better use of the kitchen area Make the space feel larger visually Update all materials so the kitchen isn’t all wood No seating at an island or peninsula Larger walkways Brighten up the space with more lights and lighter colors THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: The idea was to work within the current walls of the kitchen. Without removing walls, it was more of a challenge to give the kitchen a larger, new feel. An island in the middle area was part of the original vision. Could a different countertop arrangement incorporate the same purpose? The homeowners are big cooks so creating room for a larger refrigerator and more countertop space by the range were musts! The sink and range were originally right next to each other, making things tough for two cooks to work at the same time. How could the new space allow for two work areas while minimizing traffic jams? THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions fell into place once the overall layout was revamped to improve flow and functionality: The refrigerator was originally in the middle of the main walkway. To gain more walk space and room for a larger refrigerator, we moved this appliance to the back wall. The final design still has a peninsula but we flipped it to the opposite wall. This way, the walkway is more accommodating for traffic entering and exiting through the back garage door. This also gave way to a longer run of countertop space along the cooking wall. To take cooking to another level, we implemented a speed oven! The large window by the eating area is also nice for cooks to see, so we kept the sink in the peninsula. To gain space for storage and make the kitchen feel larger, we brought the wall cabinets all the way to the ceiling. What once felt tight now feels grand!

This late 90’s home was ready for a refresh, and boy did we have fun delivering just that! Fully renovating the kitchen, family room, dining room, laundry room, entry, and study as well as converting an unused formal room to a wine lounge allowed us to update the first floor of this home in a meaningful way. Lightening and brightening the walls and completely redoing all furnishings and decor, were just the beginning. The kitchen’s complete redesign involved moving obtrusive walls, creating more functional spaces, and incorporating current design trends. Fresh greens and blues were chosen to brighten the spaces, and texture was integrated to keep an organic feel.

For this Arlington Virginia home, the prior kitchen area was in need of a full upgrade. The wood styled cabinetry and flooring were outdated. The homeowners desired a larger dining space within the kitchen and a more open arrangement for the island and cabinetry. Our team rearranged and redesigned the cabinetry, appliance and island locations along with new features for this spacious kitchen and dining room remodel. A larger island with microwave replaced the former smaller and outdated island. New appliances are rearranged to open up the kitchen space. Pendant along with recessed lights brighten up new kitchen and dining rooms areas. The bright white of cabinets and the white and grey color scheme for the countertop and backsplash further brighten up the kitchen. Former wood style cabinets are replaced with bright white up to the ceiling cabinets to further obtain a visually higher space, as well as adding extra storage space. Gray flooring compliments the new stainless steel appliances and cabinetry.

Older homes are filled with charm, but often the kitchen has been overlooked. Originally, it was a work area– not made for public view. Today it truly is the center of all that goes on in the family. Today’s active homeowners are no different. Although their children may be grown, cooking and baking are still considered top priorities. Storage and counter space were issues that needed to be addressed and being aware of the aging process of the kitchen, lighting also needed to be considered. Although the kitchen is only a 13’ X 13’ space, it had other challenges. A back staircase, three doorways, and a large window took away from the wall space, however the 9’ ceilings were an unused potential for storage. Choosing Wellborn’s Select Series Cabinets in a Maple with a sandstone slate finish brightened the space immediately. Stacking the cabinets and taking them all the way to the ceiling gave this homeowner more storage than ever imagined for items of occasional use. Under counter LED Tape lighting brightened the task areas of the kitchen without causing additional heat from too many lights. A new table light on a dimmer sets the right mood for dining and provides just enough additional lighting. Installing a Sharp, stainless steel, 24” microwave drawer freed up some counter space for prep work near the cooktop (a GE, stainless steel 30” gas cooktop with four burners) and next to the sink (a new Elkay Gourmet Double Bowl with aqua DVD). Also, adding a new Kohler Sensate kitchen faucet which is hands free, a Kohler contemporary soap/lotion dispenser and a new ISE 3/4 horsepower disposal– helps to make clean-up a breeze. A new GE dishwasher, a new Broan stainless steel 30” hood, and a new GE 30” double oven both standard oven sizes, not only allows our homeowner to cook dinner and dessert, but the stainless steel reflects light while adding a design element tying the cabinet hardware and light fixture into the overall look. The countertop is Caesarstone’s Dreamy Marfil and is always a bold statement for any size Kitchen. Mixing the backsplash tile up without appearing busy came together with the beautiful combination of Sandlewood polished Amafi 30cm from countertops to base cabinets and Jinsen Coffee Bone in a diamond pattern framed in the Sandlewood polish and a Amafi Pencil liner above the cooktop. The soft addition of a new six panel Pine door stained and finished to match the other doors within the home added to the overall beauty of this stunning kitchen.

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Laundry Room Cabinets bright white and beautiful. This large laundry room will be refreshing to walk into for years to come. With a large window adding additional bright light into the room. In addition, hexagon tile lines the floor adding dimension to the room. Perimeter is lined with white painted maple cabinets and Fantasy River marble countertops. A fun retro sink and hardware adds functionality to the laundry room. There is no lack of storage in this laundry room. Furthermore, lining the top of the washer and dryer with marble tops add additional workspace for folding and managing the loads of laundry. Which will be a great help on this busy ranch. White Painted Maple Cabinets and Marble Countertops complete in Client Project Laundry Room New Construction ~ Thank you for sharing! Client Remarks on the BBB “Wonderful company. Easy to work with and best prices in town.” Laundry rooms can feel dark and depressing. When designing your laundry can be just as important as your kitchen and bath. Creating productivity can begin with the overall design elements. Simply creating a space that is bright and refreshing can be the difference in enjoyment and dread. Not only for yourself but for your family. Engagement begins in a space that is fun and exciting to be in. Begin by choosing colors that brighten up the laundry. In addition, to choosing cabinetry that provides adequate storage can make working in your laundry fun and rewarding. Adding floating shelves to support those needed quick access items within reach. With many flooring options available from tile to luxury vinyl tile can create warmth through colors or wood looks. In addition, to brighten the space with bright whites and accents. Finally, purchasing electric floor warming for those bare feet can make your toes happy and content. Creating a workspace for your laundry room that is functional and beautiful can shift the mind into enjoying tasks rather than dreading them. Find your locally owned Home Improvement Store, let one of our designers assist in choosing materials and design your laundry room. Find French Creek Designs, on MeWe or Facebook, and follow us! In addition, read more about our process and read regular updates on client projects and updated materials selections and choices at FCD News a reliable source of information and current trends.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

My client decided against replacing furniture at the time, , but I replaced the lighting and window treatments to brighten up and modernize the space. That, along with fresh paint really refreshed the home.

Quickly restores outdoor weathered and heavily greyed wood surfaces. Weathered Deck Restorer will remove grey wood fiber, stains, tannin bleeding, water stains, mildew, mold and discoloured surface fiber from decks, fences, wood siding and log homes. Use to restore wood to its natural color and prepare for re-coating. Coverage: 100 - 200 sq.ft per gallon Features & Benefits: Water-based formula Removes gray wood fiber, water stains, mildew and mold Rejuvenates wood by removing deteriorated fibers Safe on treated lumber and exotic wood Safe for use around surrounding vegetation if pre-wetted prior to application Benefits: Contains no bleach Water rinse clean-up Biodegradable Easy to use Available in 5 gallon size with concentrated formula For Use On: Wood decks Fences Railings Siding Log homes Cedar shakes Gazebos APPLICATION TIPS: Weathered Deck Restorer is for outdoor weathered wood surfaces using a low pressure pump sprayer. Some dilution with water for lightly grayed wood is possible. Heavily weathered wood surfaces may look fibrous after rinsing. Wood rich in tannin may darken during restoration. If this occurs, Deck Brightener can be used to re-brighten wood. Order Weathered Wood Restorer shipped via UPS Ground at: www.surfacerestoration.com/shop

White on whites and beige tones were used to brighten up the otherwise somewhat dark living room and the grey walls. Glass tables also help reflect light and brighten up any space.

View from the west: Young Acacia cultriformis (behind largest rock) will form a graceful, silvery mass of foliage punctuated by brilliant yellow puff-ball flowers to brighten up the winter garden. Phormium 'Cream Delight' / Variegated New Zealand flax and other yellow-flowering perennials brighten the beds.

Our team designed, coordinated and managed the renovations at this residence. We brightened up the once dull interiors with a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, and reconfigured the kitchen to a much more efficient layout. Some simple modern touches can do a lot with brightening up a space and making a space seem larger.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

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Minimalist staircase photo in Singapore

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This late 90’s home was ready for a refresh, and boy did we have fun delivering just that! Fully renovating the kitchen, family room, dining room, laundry room, entry, and study as well as converting an unused formal room to a wine lounge allowed us to update the first floor of this home in a meaningful way. Lightening and brightening the walls and completely redoing all furnishings and decor, were just the beginning. The kitchen’s complete redesign involved moving obtrusive walls, creating more functional spaces, and incorporating current design trends. Fresh greens and blues were chosen to brighten the spaces, and texture was integrated to keep an organic feel. The clients are so pleased, we’re now embarking on Phase 2!