Search results for "Cool tasks" in Home Design Ideas

Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity.
The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail.
Design Objectives:
-Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area
-Add an undercounter ice maker
-Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware
-Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar
-Add drama and improve lighting
-Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling
-Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage
-Update task and decorative lighting
Design Challenges:
-Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area
-Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar
-Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home
-The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout
Design Solutions:
-For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain
-Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring
-Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving
-High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry
-Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area
-A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease
-Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel
Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.

Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity.
The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail.
Design Objectives:
-Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area
-Add an undercounter ice maker
-Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware
-Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar
-Add drama and improve lighting
-Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling
-Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage
-Update task and decorative lighting
Design Challenges:
-Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area
-Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar
-Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home
-The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout
Design Solutions:
-For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain
-Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring
-Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving
-High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry
-Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area
-A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease
-Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel
Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.

Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity.
The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail.
Design Objectives:
-Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area
-Add an undercounter ice maker
-Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware
-Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar
-Add drama and improve lighting
-Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling
-Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage
-Update task and decorative lighting
Design Challenges:
-Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area
-Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar
-Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home
-The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout
Design Solutions:
-For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain
-Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring
-Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving
-High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry
-Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area
-A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease
-Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel
Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.
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The Pilar Home Workstation in sand-blasted white oak (Front), The Happy’s Curios Credenza in pine (back). The Guillermo Stool in Pine (Left). Interior design by Emily Henry Interiors. Photography by Peter Vitale.

Design Statement:
My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function.
Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”.
This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer.
Construction and Design
The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash.
Technology and Design
The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell.
Materials and design
Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design.
Appliances and design
All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow.
Photography by Mark Oser

Imagine a lazy morning in this casually elegant kitchen, sipping your freshly brewed coffee as natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows. Then imagine being in this kitchen sipping your morning coffee and gazing out at the beautiful rolling landscape of one of New England’s prestigious golf clubs. Imagine . . .
The owner of this beautiful contemporary kitchen with its idyllic setting imagined ! And her kitchen designer captured her imagination and brought this inspired space to life in both style and function.
Columns of stainless steel are balanced by columns with the warmth of birch wood with just a hint of stain. On an adjacent wall one more wood column rises from floor to ceiling. A strong horizontal line of cabinetry seemingly intersects the vertical columns. While contemporary in design, the cabinetry in this kitchen found its beginnings with the Shakers and the designers of the Craftsman period. Increasing the size of the framing on the doors, accenting the cabinet shapes with square-edged trim and blocks of wood at varying depths, thinly slicing and randomly sizing the natural stone on the accent wall, and choosing oversized stainless steel handles definitively bring this kitchen forward in time. Recycled glass countertops in a soft, quiet color continue to help this kitchen live so harmoniously with its surroundings.
As the day unfolds and the lazy morning turns into ambitious meal preparation, it is clear that this kitchen is a chef’s delight. The stainless steel columns incorporate double ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. Two wood columns house a refrigerator and a freezer. The separate wood column reveals pantry storage, and a TV is hidden behind a lift-up door.
On the island with its clean, rectangular shape two dishwashers flank the sink. Imagine ! how much more pleasant the task of clean-up is when you overlook the family living space and vista beyond.
In the cook center, a complement of drawers provides excellent storage for pots and pans, utensils, spices and herbs around the 5-burner cooktop. A powerful vent with a rear exhaust maintains the horizontal design of the space. And the freshly-brewed coffee in the morning ? It comes from a built-in coffee maker that’s just around the corner from the refrigerator. Along with a wine refrigerator, it creates a beverage and serving center between the kitchen and the dining room.
The homeowner envisioned a kitchen that is as beautiful as its surroundings. Her kitchen designer wanted her kitchen to be as functional as it is beautiful. Both agree that this kitchen lives up to their expectations!

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces.
Ancient Surfaces
Contacts: (212) 461-0245
Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com
Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com
The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine.
The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions.
We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity.
whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

This home remodel is a celebration of curves and light. Starting from humble beginnings as a basic builder ranch style house, the design challenge was maximizing natural light throughout and providing the unique contemporary style the client’s craved.
The Entry offers a spectacular first impression and sets the tone with a large skylight and an illuminated curved wall covered in a wavy pattern Porcelanosa tile.
The chic entertaining kitchen was designed to celebrate a public lifestyle and plenty of entertaining. Celebrating height with a robust amount of interior architectural details, this dynamic kitchen still gives one that cozy feeling of home sweet home. The large “L” shaped island accommodates 7 for seating. Large pendants over the kitchen table and sink provide additional task lighting and whimsy. The Dekton “puzzle” countertop connection was designed to aid the transition between the two color countertops and is one of the homeowner’s favorite details. The built-in bistro table provides additional seating and flows easily into the Living Room.
A curved wall in the Living Room showcases a contemporary linear fireplace and tv which is tucked away in a niche. Placing the fireplace and furniture arrangement at an angle allowed for more natural walkway areas that communicated with the exterior doors and the kitchen working areas.
The dining room’s open plan is perfect for small groups and expands easily for larger events. Raising the ceiling created visual interest and bringing the pop of teal from the Kitchen cabinets ties the space together. A built-in buffet provides ample storage and display.
The Sitting Room (also called the Piano room for its previous life as such) is adjacent to the Kitchen and allows for easy conversation between chef and guests. It captures the homeowner’s chic sense of style and joie de vivre.

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces.
Ancient Surfaces
Contacts: (212) 461-0245
Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com
Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com
The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine.
The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions.
We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity.
whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

We were tasked with transforming a modest ranch home into a house full of personality that reflected the owner's Asian roots and Hawaiian upbringing.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

In the House Beautiful 2011 Kitchen of the Year, designed by celebrity chef Tyler Florence, Harrington Maple Square cabinetry in Onyx creates an ample work island and prep area. The dark color grounds the abundant space and makes bright chairs and fresh ingredients pop.

Awesome Norristown PA bi-level home remodel. We gutted the whole first level of this home down to the bare bones. We redesigned the space to an open floorplan. New structural framing, insulation, windows and doors, and all mechanicals were relocated and improved. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! everywhere and it makes all the difference. Led lighting and smart switches were used for up lighting above cabinetry, task lighting under cabinetry, general room lighting, accent lighting under bar top, and all decorative fixtures as well. The kitchen was designed around a central island with elevated seating that is designed around the new structural columns required to open the whole area. Fabuwood cabinetry in Galaxy Horizon finish make up the perimeter cabinets accented by Galaxy Cobblestone finish used for the island cabinetry. Both cabinetry tones coordinate perfect with the new Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Uptown Chic Forever Friends. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, luxury vinyl is Awesome! It looks great its ultra durable and even water proof as well as less expensive than true hardwood. New stair treads, railings, and posts were installed stained to match by us; giving the steps new life. An accent wall of nickel gap boards was installed on the fireplace wall giving it some interest along with being a great clean look. The recessed niche behind the range, the dry stacked stone tile at the islands seating area, the new tile entry in a herringbone pattern just add to all the great details of this project. The New River White granite countertops are a show stopper as well; not only is it a beautiful stone the installation and seaming is excellent considering the pattern of the stone. I could go on forever we did so much. The clients were terrific and a pleasure to work with. I am glad we were able to be involved in making this dream come true.

Martin Mann
Example of a trendy living room design in San Diego
Example of a trendy living room design in San Diego

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year.
The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks.
We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids.
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Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena.
For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/
To learn more about this project, see here:
https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

This home, influenced by mid-century modern aesthetics, comfortably nestles into its Pacific Northwest site while welcoming the light and reveling in its waterfront views.
Photos by: Poppi Photography

Making use of a small, otherwise wasted space.
Enclosed kitchen - small traditional l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island
Enclosed kitchen - small traditional l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces.
Ancient Surfaces
Contacts: (212) 461-0245
Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com
Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com
The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine.
The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions.
We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity.
whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...
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