Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In his room, we wanted to continue the feature wall fun, but with a different approach. Since our young explorer loves outer space, being a boy scout, and building with legos, we created a dynamic geometric wall that serves as the backdrop for our young hero’s control center. We started with a neutral mushroom color for the majority of the walls in the room, while our feature wall incorporated a deep indigo and sky blue that are as classic as your favorite pair of jeans. We focused on indoor air quality and used Sherwin Williams’ Duration paint in a satin sheen, which is a scrubbable/no-VOC coating. We wanted to create a great reading corner, so we placed a comfortable denim lounge chair next to the window and made sure to feature a self-portrait created by our young client. For night time reading, we included a super-stellar floor lamp with white globes and a sleek satin nickel finish. Metal details are found throughout the space (such as the lounge chair base and nautical desk clock), and lend a utilitarian feel to the room. In order to balance the metal and keep the room from feeling too cold, we also snuck in woven baskets that work double-duty as decorative pieces and functional storage bins. The large north-facing window got the royal treatment and was dressed with a relaxed roman shade in a shiitake linen blend. We added a fabulous fabric trim from F. Schumacher and echoed the look by using the same fabric for the bolster on the bed. Royal blue bedding brings a bit of color into the space, and is complimented by the rich chocolate wood tones seen in the furniture throughout. Additional storage was a must, so we brought in a glossy blue storage unit that can accommodate legos, encyclopedias, pinewood derby cars, and more! Comfort and creativity converge in this space, and we were excited to get a big smile when we turned it over to its new commander.

UnionMain Homes at Lake Breeze is a new master-planned community in Lavon, Texas that opened on February 6, 2023. Lake Breeze offers spacious, modern floor plans on oversized lots with close access to Lake Lavon in the Community ISD. With a wide range of floorplans and lot sizes, there’s something for everyone. UnionMain Homes offers 40-foot and 50-foot homesites each with distinct floorplans. The 40-foot floor plans come equipped with numerous upgrades, including signature design package finishes. Choose between 3-floor plan options with 4+ bedrooms and 2.5-4 baths, ranging from 2,728 -3,272 square feet to fit the needs of your family. There are 6 front entry 50-foot floor plan options to choose from, offering 3+ bedrooms and 2.5-4 baths ranging from 2,224 – 3,448 square feet equipped with design package finishes. “This neighborhood truly exemplifies the UnionMain Homes brand and lifestyle for which we are known,” said Tim Gehan, UnionMain Homes CEO. “With our most popular features already included and personalization options available through our preselected design packages, we continue to offer our residents the best in luxury living in the most desirable locations in the Dallas area.” In Lake Breeze, you’ll enjoy a small-town, family-friendly identity with a relaxed rural setting in one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. This lakeside community is within mere minutes of some of Colin County’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. With easy access to Interstate 30 and Highway 78 enjoy access to all that Dallas – Fort Worth has to offer. As a Lake Breeze homeowner, you’ll join a community where your children’s education is a top priority. Community ISD has received numerous accolades due to the hard work of students, teachers, curriculum staff, and campus leadership. The school district believes in providing every student with every opportunity to succeed and offers a variety of competitive sports and provides a high-quality fine arts education. About UnionMain Homes Combining over 75 years of homebuilding experience, our commitment to creating better living environments remains unwavering. We build with the latest energy-efficient construction materials and use cutting-edge approaches to deliver comfortable, eco-friendly homes that ensure long-lasting enjoyment and higher resale values. But we don’t just focus on life inside the home- we believe in building community through each sought-after location we carefully select to build in, to truly enhance the lives of our customers. To learn more about UnionMain Homes in Lake Breeze, visit our website here or visit our model at 711 Oak Street Lavon, Texas 75166. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.” Bonus Storage surrounds entire island!

THE SETUP Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years. Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight. It was time for a remodel. Design Objectives Improve kosher kitchen Add more storage in the island Better lighting More open, lighter feel Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile THE REMODEL Design Challenges - We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam. - The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas? Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor. - An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow? Design Solutions - We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator. - We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy. - Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before. - We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper. - The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space. THE RENEWED SPACE The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.

THE SETUP Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years. Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight. It was time for a remodel. Design Objectives Improve kosher kitchen Add more storage in the island Better lighting More open, lighter feel Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile THE REMODEL Design Challenges - We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam. - The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas? Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor. - An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow? Design Solutions - We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator. - We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy. - Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before. - We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper. - The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space. THE RENEWED SPACE The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.

There are many challenges in Milwaukee commercial exterior painting. With such a wide variety of building fascia materials requiring different coatings, materials and application equipment, there are varying environmental and atmospheric conditions to deal with and elaborate equipment required to complete many of the jobs. Hi-rise buildings need staging, weatherproofing, special machinery and applicator lifts to reach all surfaces. One of the toughest challenges is the requirement to complete the Milwaukee commercial exterior painting project while the business or government office is in continuous operation. All of this requires professionalism, experience, expertise and knowledge that can only be gained by years of work with the diverse coatings and equipment that is necessary to complete large exterior commercial painting projects. Richmond Painting is regularly selected by facility owners and general contracting firms. For the right commercial exterior painting job, we’ll travel as far south as Libertyville, IL and as far north as Mequon, WI. From where we are centrally located in Racine, WI, Richmond Commercial Painting dispatches professional crews and equipment to paint commercial building exteriors throughout the area. Commercial Exterior Painting ServicesAt Richmond Commercial Painting our professionals are available to assist with every aspect of the exterior commercial painting project, from planning, to design, to budgeting, to application and completion. With a solid record of projects completed on time and within budget, our expertise will make any job move like a well-oiled machine; smoothly and quietly. Whether the job requirements are for using elastomeric coatings to weatherproof masonry exterior walls, applying two-part epoxies, spraying high-solids paint for protecting exposed metal, or any of the other specialty architectural coatings, we have the experience, equipment and highly trained personnel to satisfactorily complete the project. We can also tap a network of competent tuck-and- point subcontractors to repair any joints, corners or sprawls in brick or masonry. Our experienced project managers provide their years of background in all types of exterior coatings jobs to make every commercial painting project a successful joint venture with the owner, architect-designer and/or general contractor. We effectively dovetail our portion of the project with those of the other trades, contributing to a smooth “critical flow” on the job. Our portfolio of successfully completed projects includes all types of commercial exterior painting projects: hotels, hi-rise office buildings, factories, warehouses, industrial parks, schools, churches, apartment buildings and just about every other type of commercial facility you can find around Milwaukee. Our clients have learned that with the professional, commercial exterior painting services provided by Richmond Painting, Inc., a job done right the first time saves money over one that requires a number of return visits to the job to touch-up or correct flaws. Keeping that in mind, we’ve found that it really costs no more in the long run to hire the very best.

This traditional 4,000 square-foot home is located on a quiet cul de sac in Alamo, California. It served as a family home for San Francisco city professionals, but it was due for a remodel following a change in the lives of the owners. The homeowners are now empty nesters and came to Yoko Oda Interior Design to update their home. Our aim was to create a sophisticated timeless modern environment for this large estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were excited to take on the challenge and give the home a new lease of life now their children have grown up and left home. Our sophisticated clients were drawn to traditional architectural details, global influences (i.e., Yoko’s Japanese modern aesthetics), contemporary clean lines, and neutral sophisticated color palettes. We have incorporated these interior design elements throughout the home, helping to maximize the space and features available to them while creating a more adult-friendly space to live. Neutral colors allow our clients to continue adding to the home in the future without committing to any colors that they may get tired of after some time. They are a classy option to add to any space and act as the backdrop for any artwork or home accessories that may be added later on. Yoko’s design inspiration came from the clients’ personalities and the color palettes in their wardrobe. Our wardrobes say so much about us, and it’s a great way to learn more about the clients we are working with. A home needs to reflect the personalities of those living there, giving them a space to come back and relax in Alamo after a busy day. We utilized the architectural features in their home such as a 22’ high ceiling, the large windows with natural light and the beautiful gardens outside. We incorporated each of these elements in an intentional way, with the goal of creating a home that was distinctive, layered and that felt collected over time. Yoko created a calm, global, understated city vibe in this family home, which is something that can be a challenge to cultivate in the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope the family will enjoy many more years of living in this beautiful property during this new stage in their lives. Make sure you check out the other remodel projects we’ve completed on our site, to give you more inspiration for how we could help transform your home in the future.