This kitchen went from dark and dated, to bright and timeless! We achieved this look by removing the soffits above the cabinetry, along with the patterned wallpaper, dark cabinetry, and view obstructing cabinets and pendants. The white cabinets with a charcoal glaze were the perfect color to go along with the hardwood floors that were brought in from the living room, which helped to tie the spaces together seamlessly. The homeowner wanted a maintenance-free and bright backsplash, so we took the Ceasarstone "London Gray" quartz countertops and continued them up the wall; in the thinner 2cm thick material. The sleek look was maintained by using Adorne under-cabinet outlets, as well as Hafele's LOOX modular switches for the under-cabinet, above-cabinet, and interior-cabinet lights, which were also installed under the cabinets. The new windows and doors made all the difference by increasing the view to the outside and pool area, as well as allowing more natural light to flood into the space. Although the layout did not change drastically, this kitchen is packed with accessories and details that make this a truly beautiful and classy kitchen that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Photography by: Bob Skalkowski Photography

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home. Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

This homeowner came to us with her basic design ready for us to execute for her kitchen, but also asked us to design and update her entry, sunroom and fireplace. Her kitchen was 80’s standard builder grade cabinetry and laminate countertops and she had a knee wall separating her kitchen from the family room. We removed that wall and installed a custom cabinetry buffet to complement the cabinetry of the kitchen, allowing for access from all sides. We removed a desk area in the kitchen and converted it to a closed organization station complete with a charging station for phones and computers. Calcutta Quartzite countertops were used throughout and continued seamlessly up the walls as a backsplash to create a wow factor. We converted a closet into a pantry cabinet, and new stainless appliances, including a microwave drawer completed this renovation. Additionally, we updated her sunroom by removing the “popcorn” textured ceiling and gave it a fresh updated coat of paint. We installed 12x24 tile floor giving the room a simple classic transformation. Finally, we renewed the fireplace area, by building a custom mantle and adding wood paneling and trim to soften the marble fireplace face and a simple coat of paint in the entry and a new chandelier brought a lighter and fresher impact upon entering the home.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

This kitchen went from dark and dated, to bright and timeless! We achieved this look by removing the soffits above the cabinetry, along with the patterned wallpaper, dark cabinetry, and view obstructing cabinets and pendants. The white cabinets with a charcoal glaze were the perfect color to go along with the hardwood floors that were brought in from the living room, which helped to tie the spaces together seamlessly. The homeowner wanted a maintenance-free and bright backsplash, so we took the Ceasarstone "London Gray" quartz countertops and continued them up the wall; in the thinner 2cm thick material. The sleek look was maintained by using Adorne under-cabinet outlets, as well as Hafele's LOOX modular switches for the under-cabinet, above-cabinet, and interior-cabinet lights, which were also installed under the cabinets. The new windows and doors made all the difference by increasing the view to the outside and pool area, as well as allowing more natural light to flood into the space. Although the layout did not change drastically, this kitchen is packed with accessories and details that make this a truly beautiful and classy kitchen that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Photography by: Bob Skalkowski Photography

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. 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

A modern, yet traditionally inspired SW Portland home with sweeping views of Mount Hood features an exposed timber frame core reclaimed from a local rail yard building. A welcoming exterior entrance canopy continues inside to the foyer and piano area before vaulting above the living room. A ridge skylight illuminates the central space and the loft beyond. The elemental materials of stone, bronze, Douglas Fir, Maple, Western Redcedar. and Walnut carry on a tradition of northwest architecture influenced by Japanese/Asian sensibilities. Mindful of saving energy and resources, this home was outfitted with PV panels and a geothermal mechanical system, contributing to a high performing envelope efficient enough to achieve several sustainability honors. The main home received LEED Gold Certification and the adjacent ADU LEED Platinum Certification, and both structures received Earth Advantage Platinum Certification. Photo by: David Papazian Photography

Pull-out wire baskets make the corner cabinet accessible in this custom Scarborough kitchen. The open wood-look door reveals a sliding storage mechanism with multiple baskets, shown during installation beside pale floor tile and a white countertop. Part of Cedarstone Group Inc.’s 2024 whole-home renovation and second-storey addition in Scarborough, Toronto. This custom kitchen is part of a complete main-floor renovation and whole-home remodel. Coordinated kitchen cabinetry, carefully planned storage and continuous work surfaces support the layout of the renovated home. For homeowners researching a kitchen renovation in Scarborough or a custom kitchen remodel in Toronto, this project shows how cabinet design, appliance placement and interior finishing can be developed together within a larger home transformation. Explore this project and Cedarstone Group Inc.’s renovation work at cedarstonereno.com.

This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A dramatically rich looking custom wine cellar located just off the basement entertainment room. This beautiful cellar holds 507 bottles of wine and was built within stone and wood finishings and indirect lighting that provide a warm ambiance in the cool space. The lit arch in the back of the room is the initial focal point when entering through the massive wood doors. There is a Vintage Barrel Cooperage tabletop below the arch and front load style stemware on either side for easy access. Once you walk into the space, the beautiful custom scalloped pull out drawers invite you to want to see what fabulous wines are stored in each drawer. Continuous rope lighting helps illuminate those special wines displayed on the wine bottle angle displays around the room. A vertical column with custom doors and adjustable shelves is located in the middle of the side wall racking for additional storage and to cover up home piping.

This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

This 2,500 square foot “studio” is located in a neighborhood bisected by alleys and containing charming remnants of indigenous outbuildings common to the region. The desire was to create a clean, open, contemporary interior in a building that outwardly referenced its context. The primary form of the house took shape from the long, narrow lot. On the north end, which faces an alley, a patinated clad steel structure forms a canopy for the entry. This carefully scaled “cabin”, raised above the upper level to access a glimpse of the mountains, pays homage to the many sheds lining the alley. The south end features a terrace above the garage that is an extension of the primary interior space. The masonry west wall of the building provides privacy from the adjacent lot. This functional “spine” contains program elements on both levels and is visible internally and externally. A gently curved wall provides continuity between the floors and shields a bathroom and dressing area. This wall stops short of the ceiling, allowing the uninterrupted plane of maple veneer plywood to form a canopy unifying the spaces. A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Honor 2004

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.

This custom outdoor living project features a beautifully designed composite deck built with premium TimberTech decking in Coastline and Dark Hickory, creating a striking two-tone finish with clean picture-framed detailing. The layout includes a spacious main deck and a carefully designed switchback staircase to maximize yard access while maintaining comfortable head clearance beneath the structure. The deck surface showcases Coastline field boards bordered and accented with Dark Hickory, including a centered divider that allows for symmetrical 16' board runs. Picture-framed stairs continue the refined look, combining Dark Hickory frames with Coastline interior boards for a cohesive design. A modern cable railing system with black fascia-mounted posts provides safety without obstructing the view, while square picket railings along the stairs ensure durability and code compliance. The sleek black rail system pairs perfectly with the contemporary composite decking tones. Below the deck, an undercover ceiling system with white panels and integrated drainage creates a dry, usable space beneath the structure, expanding the functional outdoor living area. Pre-primed wood framing and clean gutter integration help direct water to a dedicated drain system. The project also includes a switchback stair landing and carefully planned structural details to ensure long-term performance and comfort. Designed for both style and durability, this custom deck provides a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

A comprehensive master plan for this property brought fresh vision to a time worn landscape surrounding this vintage home. Evolved through numerous iterations, the plan addressed the complexities of the site to achieve the objectives of the new owners. The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where a refurbished gate opens to a new gravel driveway and auto court welcoming family and friends. An expanded entrance terrace directs visitors to the front door while passing a quietly flowing fountain backdropped by lush landscape plantings. The expansive main terrace along the back of the home was redesigned at a single contiguous level. A new pool, spa and cold plunge were placed parallel to the main terrace allowing a generous lawn to bring continuity to the property. A guest house was sited to take advantage of views across the landscape with access through an adjacent olive tree shaded dining area. A detached garage with carport was tucked into the site providing buffer of a sport court and chicken coop. A hedged garden added at the kitchen wing of the home adds privacy to the side entrance and a place for kitchen gardening in a raised steel bed. Trees, hedges, shrubs, perennials, and lawns were planned to meld with desirable aspects of the former landscape.