Bookcase conceals hidden storage area.
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor home design photo in Kansas City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, red cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls and an island

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

Photography by Jared Kuzia
Inspiration for a country bathroom remodel in Boston

Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.” To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views. “Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage. As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”

Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor family room remodel in Boston

With their children growing up, Mr & Mrs Hills in Southend-On-Sea decided it was time to give their much loved family kitchen a well deserved renovation, creating a space for all the family to use and enjoy. They wanted a kitchen that had plenty of storage and was user friendly for all the family, so commissioned Burlanes to transform their cramped and dated kitchen into a spacious and open-plan room. Walking into Burlanes Chelmsford, the couple took an instant like to our Wellsdown kitchen; our take on the classic Georgian country kitchen; built on the notions of good proportions and symmetry, combining traditional charm with all the benefits of modern living.

Known for their effortlessly chic eclectic style, Robert and Cortney incorporate many items from flea markets and antique stores into their designs. They found the Venetian glass chandelier in a French market and had it shipped home where it spent many years in storage. After discussing that it would be out of reach for the kids, the couple decided to put it up so that they could finally appreciate it. "It is my favorite piece", says Cortney. Also designed by Robert and Cortney, the artwork in the kitchen speaks volumes of what this home is all about. Playing off of the chandelier, its bright colors round out the palette for the room. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Living room - 1950s open concept light wood floor living room idea in Austin with a wall-mounted tv

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Greenhouse - eclectic detached greenhouse idea in Austin

Q Avenue Photo
Alcove bathtub - mid-sized traditional 3/4 white tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor alcove bathtub idea in Nashville with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Dining room - eclectic dining room idea in Dallas

Kat Alves
Example of a minimalist bedroom design in Sacramento

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Structural Dimensions Inc. I Photographer: Seth Benn Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless beige two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel in Minneapolis

Another designer had already been hired to redo the interior, but once Ryan and Michael saw the finished backyard, they decided to hire Decor Aid to redesign the entire apartment, which included gut renovations of the kitchen and bathroom, a custom-made bar in the foyer, and a restyling of the bedroom and living room. The apartment already featured some wood and leather furniture pieces, and so the redesign had to incorporate these existing pieces, while balancing the couple’s neutral palette and welcoming personalities. Darker elements in the kitchen and bathroom were brought in to fit the couple’s modern, yet masculine style, and were contrasted with lighter, airy pieces, to keep smaller spaces from feeling claustrophobic. White marble and grey-washed wood tile was used to balance the matte black accents in the bathroom, while white cabinets and stainless steel appliances were used to balance the black tile backsplash and black countertops in the kitchen. To fit the hip industrial vibe of Hoboken, rustic wood details were incorporated to offset the sleek modern finish that is consistent throughout the apartment. A lighter wood flooring was used in the bathroom, to complement the other wood elements in the apartment. The living room and bedroom had already been repainted and refurnished, and so the restyling of each space had to feel cohesive with the existing elements. An organic cowhide rug offset the crisp lines in the bedroom, and dark linens were used to compliment the wood dresser and leather chair. The custom-built wood bar fit Ryan and Michael’s desire to transform their apartment into a space ready for entertaining, while tying together the apartment’s modern industrial look.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master glass tile and turquoise tile pebble tile floor and beige floor doorless shower remodel in Hawaii with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink, blue walls and granite countertops

Great room - cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room idea with white walls

St. Joe Club & Resorts
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Orlando

The family living in this shingled roofed home on the Peninsula loves color and pattern. At the heart of the two-story house, we created a library with high gloss lapis blue walls. The tête-à-tête provides an inviting place for the couple to read while their children play games at the antique card table. As a counterpoint, the open planned family, dining room, and kitchen have white walls. We selected a deep aubergine for the kitchen cabinetry. In the tranquil master suite, we layered celadon and sky blue while the daughters' room features pink, purple, and citrine.

Our clients have lived in this 1985 North Dallas home for almost 10 years, and it was time for a change. They had to decide whether to move or give the home an update. They were in a small quiet neighborhood tucked away near the popular suburb of Addison and also near the beautiful Celestial Park. Their backyard was like a hidden paradise, which is hard to find in Dallas, so they decided to update the two primary areas that needed it: the kitchen and the master bathroom. The kitchen had a black and white retro checkerboard tile floor, and the bathroom was very Tuscan. There were no cabinets on the main wall in the kitchen before. They were lacking space and functionality and desperately needed a complete overhaul in their kitchen. There were two entryways leading into the kitchen from the foyer, so one was closed off and the island was eliminated, giving them space for an entire wall of cabinets. The cabinets along this back kitchen wall were finished with a gorgeous River Rock stain. The cabinets on the other side of the kitchen were painted Polar, creating a seamless flow into the living room and creating a one-of-a-kind kitchen! Large 24x36 Elysium Tekali crema polished porcelain tiles created a simple, yet unique kitchen floor. The beautiful Levantina quartzite countertops pulled it all together and everything from the pop-up outlets in the countertops to the roll-up doors on the pantry cabinets, to the pull-out appliance shelves, makes this kitchen super functional and updated!