Creating - Photos & Ideas

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Putney House

EMR Architecture

Living room - contemporary living room idea in London

Bachelor View Bend Home Addition

Neil Kelly Company

Adding on to this modern mountain home was complex and rewarding. The nature-loving Bend homeowners wanted to create an outdoor space to better enjoy their spectacular river view. They also wanted to Provide direct access to a covered outdoor space, create a sense of connection between the interior and exterior, add gear storage for outdoor activities, and provide additional bedroom and office space. The Neil Kelly team led by Paul Haigh created a covered deck extending off the living room, re-worked exterior walls, added large 8’ tall French doors for easy access and natural light, extended garage with 3rd bay, and added a bedroom addition above the garage that fits seamlessly into the existing structure.

Find the right local pro for your project

Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz

Eclectic Industrial Bathroom Remodel

Reflekt Design Build

Photo: Michelle Schmauder
Inspiration for an industrial bathroom remodel in DC Metro

Greenwich Seaside Retreat

Sasco Farms Landscape Design

Stacy Bass
This is an example of a traditional partial sun concrete paver landscaping in New York.

A Hidden Gem

TKS Design Group

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

Transitional Kitchen

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

Sponsored

Delaware, OH

Buckeye Basements, Inc.40 Reviews

Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Pheasant Run

Safferstone Interiors

Laundry room - traditional laundry room idea in Philadelphia

St Michael's Retreat

Mueller Homes Inc

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Baltimore

Sarasota Estate

Crespo Design Group

This grand foyer makes a memorable first impression with its sophisticated blend of timeless architecture and contemporary luxury. Designed by Crespo Design Group, the space features dramatic double iron entry doors, custom wall paneling, and a stunning designer wallpaper in soft blue, gray, and ivory tones that adds texture, movement, and visual depth. The soaring ceilings and elegant proportions create an open, light-filled entrance that immediately sets the tone for the home's refined interior. A sculptural crystal chandelier serves as a breathtaking focal point, while the custom console, designer lighting, and carefully curated accessories add warmth and elegance. Marble-look porcelain flooring enhances the luxurious aesthetic, and the combination of architectural moldings, rich finishes, and bespoke furnishings creates an inviting entry that seamlessly blends classic craftsmanship with modern sophistication. As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in creating custom foyers, grand entryways, and luxury home interiors that leave a lasting impression. Every space is thoughtfully designed to reflect each homeowner's personality while combining exceptional craftsmanship, timeless materials, and functional beauty. Whether designing a luxury custom home, renovating an existing residence, or furnishing an estate, Crespo Design Group delivers interiors that are elegant, welcoming, and uniquely tailored to each client. Every detail is carefully considered to create a home that is both visually stunning and effortlessly livable.

Atomic Ranch Midcentury Modern Project House

Breathe Design Studio: San Francisco

Our Austin studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in the Mid-Century Modern style bathroom, butler's pantry, and mudroom. We covered the bathroom walls and flooring with stylish beige and yellow tile that was cleverly installed to look like two different patterns. The mint cabinet and pink vanity reflect the mid-century color palette. The stylish knobs and fittings add an extra splash of fun to the bathroom. The butler's pantry is located right behind the kitchen and serves multiple functions like storage, a study area, and a bar. We went with a moody blue color for the cabinets and included a raw wood open shelf to give depth and warmth to the space. We went with some gorgeous artistic tiles that create a bold, intriguing look in the space. In the mudroom, we used siding materials to create a shiplap effect to create warmth and texture – a homage to the classic Mid-Century Modern design. We used the same blue from the butler's pantry to create a cohesive effect. The large mint cabinets add a lighter touch to the space.

Timeless Family Kitchen in Gibson Island, MD

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

The owners of this treasured family home from the 1930s asked us to create a timeless and efficient kitchen as part of a whole house renovation. Taking cues from the new beamed ceiling we used a combination of cherry and painted off-white cabinets to create a warm and functional layout. Framed wall panels with maple burl flank the hood, new large angled window at the sink wall, and wall adjacent to the wall ovens. These create a beautiful back drop for decorative sconces. Burl end panels are also featured on the large island with furniture legs that include detailed brass feet, and a stunning reclaimed chestnut wood top. The island houses refrigerator drawers, a second dishwasher, a prep sink, and ample seating. A new Roquefort blue Cornufe range with brass accents creates a focal point across from the main entrance to the room. Above the range a custom hood in matching high sheen paint features a decorative brass edge moulding. Live-edge cherry shelves with decorative scroll brackets are positioned on either side of the hood, and adjacent to the wall ovens. The large porcelain apron sink, classic brass hardware, quartzite countertops & mosaic marble backsplash add to the timeless appeal of this traditional yet modern kitchen.

Jessup

lavish

This breathtaking whole-home renovation is a masterclass in balancing raw, natural materials with refined coastal elegance. Reclaimed wood, fieldstone, linen, cane, and soft blue hues weave a cohesive story from the soaring great room all the way up to the nursery — creating a home that feels both grounded in the land and kissed by the sea. Great Room The emotional heart of the home is a spectacular great room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with a hand-hewn reclaimed wood beam mantel and a herringbone brick firebox. Flanking the fireplace are generous built-in white shelving units with linen-backed interiors, beautifully styled with blue-and-white chinoiserie, ceramic vessels, and coastal curiosities. Overhead, a dramatic cathedral ceiling with exposed reclaimed wood trusses in a king-post configuration draws the eye upward and gives the space an almost barn-like grandeur — softened immediately by the warmth of crisp white walls and abundant natural light pouring in through a wall of French doors. Those doors open to a deck overlooking mature woodland, blurring the boundary between inside and out. The furnishings strike a balance that feels lived-in and luxurious at once. Two generous cream linen sofas face each other across a soft blue-gray upholstered square ottoman, while a pair of cognac saddle-leather swivel chairs add warmth and contrast. A stone pedestal side table, a rattan tray, and an oversized abstract seascape canvas above the mantel complete a room that is effortlessly inviting. Kitchen & Dining The open-plan kitchen and dining space flows seamlessly from the great room, united by the same reclaimed beam ceiling and wide-plank light oak hardwood floors. The kitchen itself is a dream: custom white inset cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware surrounds a showstopping island with a pale blue-gray painted base and a warm natural butcher block top — a choice that brings organic texture and approachability to an otherwise polished space. A handmade zellige-style light blue brick backsplash adds subtle artisanal character behind a professional-grade six-burner gas range framed by a tailored white custom range hood. Open glass shelves nearby display a curated collection of blue-and-white chinoiserie vases, adding personality and a collected feel. Clear glass-and-nickel pendant lanterns hang over the island, while a stunning crystal rod linear chandelier marks the dining area — a glamorous counterpoint to all the rustic texture in the room. Cane-back counter stools and a matching set of cane dining chairs in white keep the palette light, fresh, and connected to the home's coastal character. A stone arch passageway between the kitchen and adjacent rooms adds architectural drama and reinforces the home's commitment to natural materiality. Staircase & Entry The staircase is a design moment in its own right. A classic woven runner in gray with a crisp navy border brings pattern and polish to the oak treads, while a built-in window seat with a navy cushion at the landing creates a charming reading nook. A nautical-inspired abstract canvas on the entry wall sets the tonal palette for the upper level. Primary Bedroom Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a soft, serene retreat wrapped in a soothing dusty blue — walls and ceiling painted the same tranquil tone for an enveloping, cocoon-like effect. A white linen platform bed with an upholstered headboard sits beneath a wide horizontal panoramic cloud painting in a warm wood frame, evoking an open sky. The nightstands — in a soft white with brass ring pulls — are paired with ribbed ceramic table lamps that echo the room's quiet coastal sensibility. Blue-and-white gingham curtains on a brass rod, a soft white textured carpet, a cream leather recliner, and a slim brass reading floor lamp round out a room that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply restful. Blue embroidered bedding and a striped bolster pillow tie the whole palette together with gentle precision. Nursery A thoughtfully designed nursery shares the upper level's soft blue palette, with a classic white Jenny Lind spindle crib, a natural wood book rack, a wicker whale toy basket, and a gold circular mirror creating a space that is sweet without being saccharine. The same cloud painting above the bed and the soft blue walls create a dreamy, sky-like atmosphere perfectly suited for a young child.