Search results for "Coordinate activities" in Home Design Ideas

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space.
Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family.
1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent.
By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley.
The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road.
The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love.
Contractor: JL Benton Contracting
Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products
Photographer: Gina Rogers

Genoa is a stylish, geometric cut and loop pattern that is soft and ultra-luxurious. Its artistic appeal and tonal variations in color create a dramatic statement on the floor. Genoa, which is part of the Artisan Collection, is made of STAINMASTER® Luxerell® nylon fiber and part of the Active Family™ brand. It is available in a palette of thirty beautiful hues that coordinate with the other Artisan styles. Genoa is perfect for wall-to-wall installations, staircases, and area rugs.

Natural Douglas Fir timber frame from Euclid Timbers, Heber City, Utah
The windows and doors throughout the house are Hopes Steel Windows and Doors from Jamestown, New York.
You will see hand carved Ebony inlays on the newel post of the wood stairways. There is a hand carved piece above the fireplace that was done on site out of one piece of mesquite wood. The wood work paneling on the walls in the great hall was all done using natural maple, cut and set in place by two genuine New England carpenters. So, it took two years to build but it was a constant bee hive of activity and creativity.
Find the right local pro for your project

Prato is an artfully inspired, cut and loop carpet that features a random gradation of color and texture variation. Its sophisticated styling and unique design creates dimension and interest on the floor. Prato, which is part of the Artisan Collection, is made of STAINMASTER® Luxerell® nylon fiber and part of the Active Family™ brand. It is available in a palette of thirty stunning hues that coordinate with the other Artisan styles. Prato is perfect for wall-to-wall installations, staircases, and area rugs.

This project features a six-foot addition on the back of the home, allowing us to open up the kitchen and family room for this young and active family. These spaces were redesigned to accommodate a large open kitchen, featuring cabinets in a beautiful sage color, that opens onto the dining area and family room. Natural stone countertops add texture to the space without dominating the room.
The powder room footprint stayed the same, but new cabinetry, mirrors, and fixtures compliment the bold wallpaper, making this space surprising and fun, like a piece of statement jewelry in the middle of the home.
The kid's bathroom is youthful while still being able to age with the children. An ombre pink and white floor tile is complimented by a greenish/blue vanity and a coordinating shower niche accent tile. White walls and gold fixtures complete the space.
The primary bathroom is more sophisticated but still colorful and full of life. The wood-style chevron floor tiles anchor the room while more light and airy tones of white, blue, and cream finish the rest of the space. The freestanding tub and large shower make this the perfect retreat after a long day.

Via Lido is a striated loop carpet that is inspired by natural, handcrafted materials. Its gradual variations of light and dark shading give the floor depth and versatility. Skillfully crafted with a soft touch and a sophisticated finish, this elegant loop can create an inviting space in the home. Via Lido’s styling makes it a great coordinate to our popular Naturals patterns. Select a decorative pattern for the staircase and Via Lido can be a great transition style in other areas of the house. Available in a gorgeous palette of thirty colors, constructed of 100% STAIMASTER® Tactesse® nylon fiber, and part of the Active Family™ brand.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space.
Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family.
1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent.
By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley.
The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road.
The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love.
Contractor: JL Benton Contracting
Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products
Photographer: Gina Rogers

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

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

When you see the before photos of this kitchen, the finished product is nearly unrecognizable! This is because the original kitchen was 10x10, and wall separated the kitchen area from the eating area. Opening up the 2 spaces was exactly what this new kitchen needed!
Since the dining area was directly adjacent to the family room, the designer at Advance Design created a low wall of matching decorative book case cabinets with a granite top to create separation needed between the spaces. This bank also eloquently held a beautifully wood appointed supporting column necessary for the structural ceiling load.
The focal point of the new kitchen is the hand-painted backsplash centered under a wooden hood in the chef’s special cooking area. A completely functional island now has space for several stools, and even has a decorative touch with the shelving unit facing the eating area.
The space next to the refrigerator became an efficiently organized bill paying area for the lady of the house, complete with pull out file drawers hidden behind matching kitchen cabinets. Replacing the “black hole” of a pantry; pull out shelves grace the interior of new pantry units suitable for the family of five busy people.
Existing hardwood oak was repaired and refinished on the entire first floor. A light patterned gold granite works effortlessly with the tumbled marble backsplash that enjoys hints of weathered iron looking details that coordinate nicely with the cabinetry hardware.
What makes this kitchen special is how elegant it appears despite the rustic feel of the knotty alder cabinetry. Clean design lines lend an air of sophistication to the otherwise “rustic” looking materials. Now this active family can enjoy the open space, cooking and hanging out together is now an enjoyable pastime.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

All RINEKWALL designs are available on wallcovering. Combining wallcoverings with coordinating RINEKWALL designs on fabrics from a series or collection can create a unique style and theme for an entire space.
Our wallcovering is a high performance, dimensionally stable, breathable, and eco-friendly material. The Rainforest Alliance and FSC Certified paper is made with 10% post-consumer waste, achieving a sustainable advantage over traditional vinyl materials. It meets the strict California 01350 standards for indoor air quality, a prerequisite for LEED credit certification, and carries a class “A” fire rating based on ASTM E-84.
Wallcovering is available in two weights. Our Commercial Wallcovering is a 10pt paper. Our Standard Wallcovering is a 6pt paper.
Engineered to be easy to install, the paper is pre-pasted. Simply spraying the back of the paper with water activates the adhesive and in one minute the paper is ready to install.

Prato is an artfully inspired, cut and loop carpet that features a random gradation of color and texture variation. Its sophisticated styling and unique design creates dimension and interest on the floor. Prato, which is part of the Artisan Collection, is made of STAINMASTER® Luxerell® nylon fiber and part of the Active Family™ brand.It is available in a palette of thirty stunning hues that coordinate with the other Artisan styles. Prato is perfect for wall-to-wall installations, staircases, and area rugs.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

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

Hall in Bronco Revival | Key Feature: A warm, masculine, family-friendly Scottsdale home refresh designed to function as both a lived-in family space and a design showroom, blending current trends with timeless style.
Challenge: The main challenge was maintaining a cohesive design while replacing underperforming elements from a previous installation, all within an existing architectural framework. Additional hurdles included sourcing pieces that worked with existing furniture, finding properly scaled rugs for large North Scottsdale rooms, ensuring correct counter stool height for a substantial 3-inch stone slab island, and coordinating the timeline around photography/videography schedules and local contractor availability.
Solution: We approached the refresh strategically by preserving the strongest existing elements while updating key furnishings and finishes to create a warmer, more sophisticated look. New vendor relationships and products were tested before specifying for broader client use, while all selections prioritized durability for an active family lifestyle. Timeline flexibility became a creative advantage, allowing for an unconventional beam wallpaper application that ultimately became a signature design moment. Our construction management ensured seamless coordination across trades throughout the Scottsdale area.
Materials:
Moss Studio- Sofa + Pillows |
Coffee tables by MadeGoods: Davion Coffee Tables – sculptural mango wood with rich texture |
Performance rugs by Loloi: High-traffic wool construction perfect for pets and children |
Custom drapery fabric by Schumacher: Premium textiles maintaining original custom window treatments |
Drapery hardware by Hesler Brothers |
Palmer Industries - |
Sun Lighting - Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Pendants |
Budget ($ Range): $75-$100K |
Timeline (Duration): 3 months

This project features a six-foot addition on the back of the home, allowing us to open up the kitchen and family room for this young and active family. These spaces were redesigned to accommodate a large open kitchen, featuring cabinets in a beautiful sage color, that opens onto the dining area and family room. Natural stone countertops add texture to the space without dominating the room.
The powder room footprint stayed the same, but new cabinetry, mirrors, and fixtures compliment the bold wallpaper, making this space surprising and fun, like a piece of statement jewelry in the middle of the home.
The kid's bathroom is youthful while still being able to age with the children. An ombre pink and white floor tile is complimented by a greenish/blue vanity and a coordinating shower niche accent tile. White walls and gold fixtures complete the space.
The primary bathroom is more sophisticated but still colorful and full of life. The wood-style chevron floor tiles anchor the room while more light and airy tones of white, blue, and cream finish the rest of the space. The freestanding tub and large shower make this the perfect retreat after a long day.

Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children.
As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings.
With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition.
Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors.
As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends.
Design Features
Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor.
Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door.
Light and bright natural hardwood flooring.
A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows.
Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement.
Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard.
Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment.
Energy Efficient and Green Features
1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit.
Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed.
No-VOC Paints and Finishes.
Durable Exterior Construction
No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows
Cement Fiber Siding
Cement Fiber and PVC Trim
Life-time Architectural Shingles
Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs
Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures

Beat the sun while staying in the shade for an ultimate backyard experience. The all-new Portofino Commerical Resort Umbrella is a state of the art structure featuring a huge 12-foot square canopy area providing over 144 square feet of shade. Our patented design offers a unique choice in patio umbrellas that combines quality, value and style to enliven your outdoor space. Designed to coordinate with the pieces in the Portofino Furniture Collection.
Features:
Patented base uses 200+ lbs of gravel or sand mixture to keep the umbrella securely in place.
Canopy includes air vents to absorb gusts of wind.
Retractable wheels activated by foot lever allow you to easily roll the umbrella to wherever you need shaded area.
Post features a trigger grip handle which allows you to easily tilt your umbrella into 5 different positions.
Hand crank opens and closes the umbrella with ease.
Easy to clean with mild soap and water.
Designed to coordinate with the pieces in the Portofino Collection in Heather Beige.

All RINEKWALL designs are available on wallcovering. Combining wallcoverings with coordinating RINEKWALL designs on fabrics from a series or collection can create a unique style and theme for an entire space.
Our wallcovering is a high performance, dimensionally stable, breathable, and eco-friendly material. The Rainforest Alliance and FSC Certified paper is made with 10% post-consumer waste, achieving a sustainable advantage over traditional vinyl materials. It meets the strict California 01350 standards for indoor air quality, a prerequisite for LEED credit certification, and carries a class “A” fire rating based on ASTM E-84.
Wallcovering is available in two weights. Our Commercial Wallcovering is a 10pt paper. Our Standard Wallcovering is a 6pt paper.
Engineered to be easy to install, the paper is pre-pasted. Simply spraying the back of the paper with water activates the adhesive and in one minute the paper is ready to install.

When you see the before photos of this kitchen, the finished product is nearly unrecognizable! This is because the original kitchen was 10x10, and wall separated the kitchen area from the eating area. Opening up the 2 spaces was exactly what this new kitchen needed!
Since the dining area was directly adjacent to the family room, the designer at Advance Design created a low wall of matching decorative book case cabinets with a granite top to create separation needed between the spaces. This bank also eloquently held a beautifully wood appointed supporting column necessary for the structural ceiling load.
The focal point of the new kitchen is the hand-painted backsplash centered under a wooden hood in the chef’s special cooking area. A completely functional island now has space for several stools, and even has a decorative touch with the shelving unit facing the eating area.
The space next to the refrigerator became an efficiently organized bill paying area for the lady of the house, complete with pull out file drawers hidden behind matching kitchen cabinets. Replacing the “black hole” of a pantry; pull out shelves grace the interior of new pantry units suitable for the family of five busy people.
Existing hardwood oak was repaired and refinished on the entire first floor. A light patterned gold granite works effortlessly with the tumbled marble backsplash that enjoys hints of weathered iron looking details that coordinate nicely with the cabinetry hardware.
What makes this kitchen special is how elegant it appears despite the rustic feel of the knotty alder cabinetry. Clean design lines lend an air of sophistication to the otherwise “rustic” looking materials. Now this active family can enjoy the open space, cooking and hanging out together is now an enjoyable pastime.

Melissa and Steve purchased our National Award Winning Green Certified Remodeled Home. They had moved to Colorado previously to expand Business opportunities, but found that they missed being near their extended family members and Melissa’s native city and state. They wanted a home in a quiet neighborhood that suited their needs and had been updated to current design trends and amenities. With 2 young children a single-story home appealed to them.
Steve primarily worked from home, using the formal Living Room as his home office which was central to the Kitchen and main living areas. As their children grew, it became increasingly difficult to With 4 children, their daily activities were split between the 1st and second floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them. Also, with a large extended family close-by, get-togethers were cramped and uncomfortable.
With the added 1st floor living space, they are now able to all comfortably gather together and spend more quality time with their family and friends.
Design Features
Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door.
Light and bright natural hardwood flooring.
A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung low-e windows.
Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement.
Avoidance of installing a Pull-Down Attic Access.
No-VOC Paints and Finishes.
Durable Exterior Construction
No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows and Doors
Cement Fiber Siding
Cement Fiber and PVC Trim
Life-time Architectural Shingles
Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs
Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion Sealing measures
Energy Efficient and Green Features
1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit.
Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed.
No-VOC Paints and Finishes.
Durable Exterior Construction
No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows
Cement Fiber Siding
Cement Fiber and PVC Trim
Life-time Architectural Shingles
Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs
Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures
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