Our client had a busy life and his Burnaby home was usually his refuge — a place to relax and unwind after a busy day. But, his home was no longer helping him unwind. He called the My House team to do a minimalist home renovation, to transform his home from busy to one free from distraction and clutter. We started by changing the “vibe” in the kitchen, the homeowner’s favourite place in the home. We removed the kitchen walls, and used a maple-clad beam to match the new maple live-edge bar top. Opening up the kitchen instantly improved sight lines and traffic flow between the kitchen and adjacent rooms. This new layout also allowed us to create much needed additional counter top space and storage in the kitchen. The kitchen cabinets were replaced with flat panel, square-edge cabinets and the uppers lift-open. To create an elegant minimalist feel, the full height quartz back splash looks almost like concrete. We also removed the kitchen nook and replaced it with a live-edge counter top, making it a haven to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Throughout the home, white cabinets help ground and soothe, while the maple accents create warmth without adding unwanted colour or texture. Minimalist Home Renovation: Bathrooms Too We gutted all three bathrooms in this minimalist home renovation and started from scratch. As part of the bathroom renovations, we added new energy-efficient windows. We reconfigured the master bedroom to allow for a full master en suite including a freestanding tub, a usable bench seat for the shower, a wall hung compact toilet, and a minimalist pedestal sink. The new bathtub also has a handheld shower to increase functionality and has a clever built-in ledge to hold a beverage. If your home design and layout are no longer meeting your needs, or you too would like a minimalist home renovation like this home in Burnaby, call the My House Design Build team today and we can help you fall in love with your home again.

Modern family loft renovation in the South End of Boston, Massachusetts. Open concept kitchen with custom cabinetry. Reconfigured for increased functionality, including more storage, larger prep surfaces, and new energy efficient appliances. A walnut element wraps the up wall and ceiling above the kitchen, adding much needed warmth, scale, and lighting to the space with its twenty foot ceiling. Eric Roth Photography Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design. http://www.zeroenergy.com

This remodel created one grand space out of three separate rooms. The home is a traditional raised ranch, and we doubled the kitchen counter and cabinet space without increasing the foot print by removing the surrounding walls.

Sophisticated and inviting family room designed for a male client. Custom designed cherry media cabinet, rustic mantel, and concrete fireplace wall draw your eye right toward the beautiful lake view. Roy Weinstein & Ken Kast Photography

The original foyer of this 1959 home was dark and cave like. The ceiling could not be raised because of AC equipment above, so the designer decided to "visually open" the space by removing a portion of the wall between the kitchen and the foyer. The team designed and installed a "see through" walnut dividing wall to allow light to spill into the space. A peek into the kitchen through the geometric triangles on the walnut wall provides a "wow" factor for the foyer.

This Montana inspired kitchen was designed to reflect the homeowners' love of the great outdoors. Earthy wood tones and majestic granite complement the western decor of their home. Cherry cabinets have a western style door and rugged oil rubbed bronze handles. Two structural changes were made. First, a tray ceiling was created to increase the height of the kitchen. Next, the kitchen was opened up completely to the family room by removing a doorway and partial wall. The end of the peninsula curves around to invite everyone into the family room. The apothecary drawers (left of the dishwasher) add a rustic western charm. But the highlight of this kitchen is the custom built large pantry. A granite work surface within the pantry complete with electrical outlets allows the homeowner to use small appliances right where they located and stored. Upper shelves allow the homeowners to easily see their large and small pantry items along with generously sized spice racks on each door. Plenty of drawers and a second food pantry provide the needed storage for this active family.

Farmhouse style kitchen remodel. Our clients wanted to do a total refresh of their kitchen. We incorporated a warm toned vinyl flooring (Nuvelle Density Rigid Core in Honey Pecan"), two toned cabinets in a beautiful blue gray and cream (Diamond cabinets) granite countertops and a gorgeous gas range (GE Cafe Pro range). By overhauling the laundry and pantry area we were able to give them a lot more storage. We reorganized a lot of the kitchen creating a better flow specifically giving them a coffee bar station, cutting board station, and a new microwave drawer and wine fridge. Increasing the gas stove to 36" allowed the avid chef owner to cook without restrictions making his daily life easier. One of our favorite sayings is "I love it" and we are able to say thankfully we heard it a lot.

Melanie Johnson Photography
Example of a trendy home design design in Dallas

Relocating to Portland, Oregon from California, this young family immediately hired Amy to redesign their newly purchased home to better fit their needs. The project included updating the kitchen, hall bath, and adding an en suite to their master bedroom. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining allowed for additional counter space and storage along with improved traffic flow and increased natural light to the heart of the home. This galley style kitchen is focused on efficiency and functionality through custom cabinets with a pantry boasting drawer storage topped with quartz slab for durability, pull-out storage accessories throughout, deep drawers, and a quartz topped coffee bar/ buffet facing the dining area. The master bath and hall bath were born out of a single bath and a closet. While modest in size, the bathrooms are filled with functionality and colorful design elements. Durable hex shaped porcelain tiles compliment the blue vanities topped with white quartz countertops. The shower and tub are both tiled in handmade ceramic tiles, bringing much needed texture and movement of light to the space. The hall bath is outfitted with a toe-kick pull-out step for the family’s youngest member!

Bright, comfortable, and contemporary family room with farmhouse-style details like painted white brick and horizontal wood paneling. Pops of color give the space personality.

Every design decision for this Caribbean beach residence was guided by the desire to maximize the views of the property’s breathtaking natural surroundings. To connect the spaces and reveal the views from every vantage point, the team reconfigured the layout to create vistas, and installed window film to reduce solar heat gain. These modifications increased efficiencies, reused 90% of the interior envelope and did not impact the exterior structure of the building. In addition to providing incredible views, opening up the plan allows cross ventilation, maximizing the use of ocean breezes to cool the interior. The result is an effortless flow and maximization of space. Throughout the interior, dark materials express the concept of respite in the shade, and emphasize the sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Millwork crafted by local artisans from local materials establishes hierarchy – providing a clear understanding of the layout – and filters light to create privacy and drama. Screens help define the spaces and create suspense. Varying screen opacities serve specific functions: nearly opaque screens build suspense, translucent screens provide privacy, and reflective screens – as seen in the kitchen ceiling – create mystery in the core where light and views are challenged. Referencing the seaside location, the baseboards create a sense of being in a deep shallow. The 16” tall baseboards create a pool effect, engaging the walls with Cradle to Cradle certified Mosa tile flooring. The irregular height also conceals power and data cabling. The resulting space is a contemporary oasis that offers a high-level of comfort and functionality. Anne Rausch Photography

In an older home in Great Neck, we opened up a wall between the small kitchen and a storage room and eliminated a powder room to enlarge the kitchen/dining concept. To enlarge the kitchen and allow backyard views, we flipped the kitchen to the back of the house, found a space to move the powder room and eliminated the small room. The client chose an Italian industrial look cement textured door style. We brightened the look with high gloss white upper cabinets. Two new attractive large windows let in natural light and gave them views of their yard. They wanted a quartz counter that looked like marble. Since quartz doesn’t offer this style, we chose a marble look porcelain which is stunning! Additional cabinetry, pantry and island increased their storage. Two sinks and additional counter space made it functional for two. The work flow of the kitchen was easy and open. All materials are easy to clean. The eat-in kitchen maximized the dining away ambiance. To satisfy their culinary desires, we added a spice drawer and cabinet. The coffee bar has a drawer for easy access. The island faucet includes sparkling water. Since they love grilled food all year round, we recommended a range top with a grill and high-powered vented hood. The full-size wine fridge makes it easy to store wine conveniently. The built-in steam oven allowed them to cook small meals with high efficiency.

For the avid baker, a mixer lift is key. This lift sits on a solid walnut shelf and conveniently stores the mixer in the lower cabinet when not in use. Photography by Eric Roth

A modern black sectional creates the perfect place to lounge after a long day at work in this modern living room. The straight lined, heavy cocktail table can be used to kick your feet up and relax. A backdrop of an organic floral graces the previously empty corner and draws the eye to design of the space. The carved wood fireplace follows the lines of the inset tile around the firebox to create a simple, yet stunning modern design.

The custom arbor creates a cool intimate sitting area thanks to a cantilevered steel canopy with die-cut panel by Parasoleil. Arizona flagstone pavers and a boulder fountain ground the space in lush plantings. 'Koi' artwork (acrylic on reclaimed glass windowpane) by owner. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | TC Homebuilders | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Photo by Greg Premru Cabinet Design, Architect Tom Catalano
Inspiration for a large coastal u-shaped ceramic tile and multicolored floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

We really opened up and reorganized this kitchen to give the clients a more modern update and increased functionality and storage. The backsplash is a main focal point and the color palette is very sleek while being warm and inviting. Cabinetry: Ultracraft Destiny, Avon door in Arctic White on the perimeter and Mineral Grey on the island and bar shelving Hardware: Hamilton-Bowes Ventoux Pull in satin brass Counters: Aurea Stone Divine, 3cm quartz Sinks: Blanco Silgranit in white, Precis super single bowl with Performa single in bar Faucets: California Faucets Poetto series in satin brass, pull down and pull-down prep faucet in bar, matching cold water dispenser, air switch, and air gap Pot filler: Newport Brass East Linear in satin brass Backsplash tile: Marble Systems Mod-Glam collection Blocks mosaic in glacier honed - snow white polished - brass accents behind range and hood, using 3x6 snow white as field tile in a brick lay Appliances: Wolf dual fuel 48" range w/ griddle, 30" microwave drawer, 24" coffee system w/ trim; Best Cologne series 48" hood; GE Monogram wine chiller; Hoshizaki stainless ice maker; Bosch benchmark series dishwasher

Essential kitchen products are more easily accessible with transFORM’s custom designed pantries. Your favorite foods are neatly stored in this pantry that features pull-out cabinets, pull-out chrome racks and solid woven wicker baskets. Items like fruits and bagged goods are stored in pull-out chrome racks to help make items more visible. In addition, making inventory of items like hand towel and cleaning products are easier when replacement is needed. Wicker baskets provide a great storage place for small items like coffee, dog treats and cutting boards. transFORM designed a variety of shelf depths for this pantry to accommodate an assortment of items and create an engaging appearance. Shallow and tapered shelves allow boxed goods and sparkling wines to be neatly placed and visible on the top shelves. The staging and display area creates a convenient place to serve small food items, stage snacks and flip through recipe books. Tins and jars are easier to locate and arrange with this pantry’s seamless sliding pull-out organizers. The deep vertical storage trays organize canned goods and provide simple reach-in access to a large collection of spices. Ideally designed to increase storage, this pantry makes planning and preparing meals quick and easy to accommodate your busy lifestyle. This deluxe pantry from transFORM is just an example of the custom designs we produce at transFORM everyday. If you have a smaller or larger space, transFORM will create a unique design customized to your home and your lifestyle.