Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

  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

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

  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

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This project started out as a kitchen remodel but ended up as so much more. As the original plan started to take shape, some water damage provided the impetus to remodel a small upstairs hall bath. Once this bath was complete, the homeowners enjoyed the result so much that they decided to set aside the kitchen and complete a large master bath remodel. Once that was completed, we started planning for the kitchen! The original kitchen was just large enough to accommodate an island and a separate pantry but felt a little cramped, especially during the weekends when the couple likes to entertain. The primary goal was to maintain the functionality of the current space, but to add some breathing room as well as to provide a view to the homeowner’s side yard and substantial Hosta garden. The solution was to bump out the space about 10 feet which provided ample room for large pro appliances, a large island for gathering and an upgraded pantry space. It was important to the homeowners to create a space that felt like it belonged in their historic 1866 home. Details such as matching new trim to the existing large custom profiles in the original home and re-purposing an existing door to be used for the new pantry, provided these touches. A large window at the main sink provides that view into the yard and a beautiful focal point for the room. A mix of painted wood and stained cabinetry gives the new kitchen a sense of belonging in the older home, as do the Super White quartzite that has the look of marble, subway tile backsplash, polished nickel lanterns and glass and mirrored doors. The large pantry, filled with custom shelving built to the homeowner’s specifications, stainless steel appliances and the two Galley Workstations – sinks that do double duty as prep space – ensure that not only does the kitchen look great, but also functions in a personalized manner that works perfectly for the occupants. Doing the bump out also allowed the opportunity for a small mudroom and powder room right off the kitchen as well as re-arranging some openings to allow for better traffic flow throughout the entire first floor. The result is a comfortable up-to-date home that feels both steeped in history yet allows for today’s style of living. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Black Magic Ti, bromeliads and liriope add color and stunning texture to this tropical pathway. Photo by Sara Roberts
This is an example of a mid-sized tropical partial sun side yard stone landscaping in Tampa.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   From dark and dated to bright and beautiful, who says you can't take your kitchen from the past into the future? Open almost any design magazine today and you will see tons of examples of contemporary and transitional design. Maybe those designs are appealing, but you’re are just not feeling it for your own space or traditional suburban home filled with traditional furniture. Do you still have the option to remodel your kitchen in a traditional style and not have it look instantly dated? The answer is yes! This kitchen is a perfect example of how to do that. Take traditional cabinetry and sprinkle in a few updated accents and voila! In addition to the look of the space, this 1970’s neo-Tudor home also had a very traditional floorplan which was given new life for today’s living. We eliminated the wall between the kitchen and the (rarely used) dining room which opened up the whole first floor and created the open plan that the homeowners wanted. With the added space, a larger island was added with seating for casual dining. An existing room off the kitchen now works as the main dining area and even houses a fireplace! Hardworking quartz countertops were used to keep maintenance easy, and professional style appliances were added for this home cook to really get cooking in the kitchen. An apron sink, Ann Sacks bronze accent tile, green glass pendants lighting and new window treatments transition this kitchen into the current decade! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Photo by Jay Sifford.

Photo by Jay Sifford.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   From dark and dated to bright and beautiful, who says you can't take your kitchen from the past into the future? Open almost any design magazine today and you will see tons of examples of contemporary and transitional design. Maybe those designs are appealing, but you’re are just not feeling it for your own space or traditional suburban home filled with traditional furniture. Do you still have the option to remodel your kitchen in a traditional style and not have it look instantly dated? The answer is yes! This kitchen is a perfect example of how to do that. Take traditional cabinetry and sprinkle in a few updated accents and voila! In addition to the look of the space, this 1970’s neo-Tudor home also had a very traditional floorplan which was given new life for today’s living. We eliminated the wall between the kitchen and the (rarely used) dining room which opened up the whole first floor and created the open plan that the homeowners wanted. With the added space, a larger island was added with seating for casual dining. An existing room off the kitchen now works as the main dining area and even houses a fireplace! Hardworking quartz countertops were used to keep maintenance easy, and professional style appliances were added for this home cook to really get cooking in the kitchen. An apron sink, Ann Sacks bronze accent tile, green glass pendants lighting and new window treatments transition this kitchen into the current decade! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

TruCedar Steel Siding shown in 10" Board & Batten in Napa Vine.
Beige two-story metal exterior home idea in Grand Rapids

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   From dark and dated to bright and beautiful, who says you can't take your kitchen from the past into the future? Open almost any design magazine today and you will see tons of examples of contemporary and transitional design. Maybe those designs are appealing, but you’re are just not feeling it for your own space or traditional suburban home filled with traditional furniture. Do you still have the option to remodel your kitchen in a traditional style and not have it look instantly dated? The answer is yes! This kitchen is a perfect example of how to do that. Take traditional cabinetry and sprinkle in a few updated accents and voila! In addition to the look of the space, this 1970’s neo-Tudor home also had a very traditional floorplan which was given new life for today’s living. We eliminated the wall between the kitchen and the (rarely used) dining room which opened up the whole first floor and created the open plan that the homeowners wanted. With the added space, a larger island was added with seating for casual dining. An existing room off the kitchen now works as the main dining area and even houses a fireplace! Hardworking quartz countertops were used to keep maintenance easy, and professional style appliances were added for this home cook to really get cooking in the kitchen. An apron sink, Ann Sacks bronze accent tile, green glass pendants lighting and new window treatments transition this kitchen into the current decade! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Tamara Alvarez
Photo of a mid-sized coastal full sun front yard stone formal garden in Miami.

Heidi A. Long
Small rustic exterior home idea

Staircase - mid-sized traditional wooden straight wood railing staircase idea in New York with painted risers