Light switch controls can be hard to reach on large expansive kitchen islands. Opening a cabinet when your hands wet equally cumbersome. An Air Switch or Air Button is a fantastic solution to control the garbage disposal unit. Credit to the homeowner for this DIY.

This kitchen, designed by David Arnoff, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a classic Frosty White paint on the perimeter and Rift Cut White Oak with a “Driftwood” stain for the island. The kitchen prior to renovation had a small island and a peninsula that blocked the flow into the other rooms. It also had a massive wood hood that flanked both sides of the range all the way down to the countertop which was very cumbersome and restrictive. The client wanted to reuse their appliances which were fairly new. So the cabinetry had to be designed around those models but laid out with a much more functional flow. David chose to eliminate the existing peninsula to allow access to the sun room and living area. He opted instead for a larger island to give back the space lost by removing the peninsula. This gave the same amount of cabinet and counter space and was far more functional and easier to move around. Since the one wall of cabinets (where the main sink is) had no wall cabinets, David designed the opposite wall with double stacked cabinets for additional storage – with glass fronts for aesthetics. They also raised the custom hood, by Amore, allowing for more countertop space around the range. The countertops are polished quartz, Aurea Stone by Eastern Stone. The Backsplash is a basket weave marble from Greenwich Tile Marble. Sink and faucets by Kohler. Appliances are a mix of Subzero and Wolf. Designer: David Arnoff Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

This powder room is located just off the laundry room. The Barn door allowed us to eliminate the cumbersome swing of a door in the extremely tight space.

In order to open up the kitchen and create a brighter atmosphere, Sweeney Design Remodel widened the doorway between the kitchen and dining room and designed it to match the colonial-style archways found in the rest of the home. While the kitchen footprint did not change, new white DuraSupreme cabinets were designed into the space to accommodate modern built-in appliances, including a larger stainless steel refrigerator. This minor adjustment also had a significant impact on improving the visual balance of the kitchen. The new easy-to-clean, marble-inspired quartz on the peninsula now offers plenty of eat-in space for two. The classic white subway tile backsplash and large farmhouse sink anchor the room. Hardwood flooring used in the dining and living rooms was extended into the kitchen to flow the rooms seamlessly together. The original kitchen window that was cumbersome for one person to operate was replaced with a new easy-to-open window. In addition, to create proper soft general lighting, Sweeney replaced a large fluorescent light fixture with disk lights.

This kitchen, designed by David Arnoff, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a classic Frosty White paint on the perimeter and Rift Cut White Oak with a “Driftwood” stain for the island. The kitchen prior to renovation had a small island and a peninsula that blocked the flow into the other rooms. It also had a massive wood hood that flanked both sides of the range all the way down to the countertop which was very cumbersome and restrictive. The client wanted to reuse their appliances which were fairly new. So the cabinetry had to be designed around those models but laid out with a much more functional flow. David chose to eliminate the existing peninsula to allow access to the sun room and living area. He opted instead for a larger island to give back the space lost by removing the peninsula. This gave the same amount of cabinet and counter space and was far more functional and easier to move around. Since the one wall of cabinets (where the main sink is) had no wall cabinets, David designed the opposite wall with double stacked cabinets for additional storage – with glass fronts for aesthetics. They also raised the custom hood, by Amore, allowing for more countertop space around the range. The countertops are polished quartz, Aurea Stone by Eastern Stone. The Backsplash is a basket weave marble from Greenwich Tile Marble. Sink and faucets by Kohler. Appliances are a mix of Subzero and Wolf. Designer: David Arnoff Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

In order to open up space in the bathroom we removed the cumbersome corner tub that hadn't worked in years. We replaced that larger corner tub with a 63" freestanding Maax bath. This sleeker, more compact tub opened up more room for a larger double vanity. Along with with this smaller tub, we also decreased the size of the window on the vanity wall, so that the vanity would fit nicely within the new layout. Both of the replacements windows are Energy Star 400 series Anderson Windows. Joel Hess

We were hired to transform this small apartment into a tranquil pied-a-terre. Perched atop an historic landmark, the unit features unparalleled views of Manhattan. However, the layout was awkward and the finishes dated. One of the many challenges was staying within the confines of the numerous structural columns and plumbing risers. A larger foyer was created by removing a cumbersome millwork unit. Folding glass panels open the new kitchen to the view. Two, discrete bathrooms were created from one large one. All mechanical and electrical systems were updated, and each of the windows replaced to meet stringent preservation requirements. A neutral palette for the interiors was chosen to bring a sense of calm to the urban surroundings. The project was a collaboration between James Dixon Architect PC and Powell & Bonnell Decorators Photos by John Bessler

New 36" wide jetted tub installed in a secondary bath. The client wanted a partial fixed glass panel installed in the tub, which would have made standard controls cumbersome. Hence the shower valve was moved onto an adjacent wall to make access easier. The 3" x 6" gloss white subway tile is from DalTile. Train rack and other bath accessories are from Restoration Hardware. Design by Martina Lorey Architects, El Paso. Photo by ProBilt Construction LLC.

We were hired to transform this small apartment into a tranquil pied-a-terre. Perched atop an historic landmark, the unit features unparalleled views of Manhattan. However, the layout was awkward and the finishes dated. One of the many challenges was staying within the confines of the numerous structural columns and plumbing risers. A larger foyer was created by removing a cumbersome millwork unit. Folding glass panels open the new kitchen to the view. Two, discrete bathrooms were created from one large one. All mechanical and electrical systems were updated, and each of the windows replaced to meet stringent preservation requirements. A neutral palette for the interiors was chosen to bring a sense of calm to the urban surroundings. The project was a collaboration between James Dixon Architect PC and Powell & Bonnell Decorators Photos by John Bessler

Custom-built in the early eighties, this contemporary home was cloaked in all brown board siding with brown windows and a cumbersome street-facing carport. The current owners had raised their family there on property that borders serene conservation land. Now they were ready for a new, brighter exterior look that would include all new windows to take in the exquisite view, unobscured by the fog of failing window seals; new siding that wouldn’t be subject to woodpecker wear and tear; a refinished screen porch; a new garage to replace the undersized carport; and new entry access. On the interior, they wanted the new, fresh vibe to extend to the design of three renovated modern bathrooms. In response, KHS proposed black-framed windows throughout in simpler configurations; fiber-cement (and PVC) exterior cladding in three textures to differentiate functions and features; a unifying light-gray and white palette teamed with clear-finished mahogany/sapele to carry across the exterior as well as the bathroom renovations; a stream-lined screen porch with cable rails; a new shed-roofed garage to resolve the exterior massing; and a new covered walkway entrance delivering those arriving into a repurposed interior space. Once the overall design was resolved, the owners elected to complete the work in phases over several years. Phase 1 included renovating the powder room, guest bathroom, and primary bathroom, and refreshing the screen porch. See the reconceived modern bathrooms here on the KHS website. Next came constructing the new garage and entry, which on the interior included new floor tile and a new entry wall-paneling system to conceal electrical, solar, and security panels/controls. Phase III involved installing the rest of the new windows and completing the comprehensive new exterior cladding and palette to tie the earlier phases together. To cap it off, KHS worked with the owners to select new clean-lined furnishings for the living area in colors inspired by their coastal view.

Removal of hot tubs and spas can be cumbersome. Hot tubs are big, heavy, awkward and combine water and electricity. It is important to keep in mind the potential consequences of improper removal, personal injury, property damage, creating a mess, etc. Our staff is trained, experienced and know how to properly deal with these circumstances to ensure the job is done properly, safely and in a timely fashion. We offer the man power, the trucks, the tools, the knowledge, licensing, insurance and know-how to accomplish these tasks.

Don't worry about where to hide that cumbersome ironing board. Simply stow it away within a drawer space!
Inspiration for a timeless men's walk-in closet remodel in Orange County with raised-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

www.LeichtCA.com MODO | DESIGN OPTIONS A functional vision for the backsplash. The house of LEICHT has designed the MODO system, focusing on the exciting contrast of metal and natural wood. It will enhance every modern kitchen with it's clear lines and puristic form language. It provides easy access to the required cooking utensils and eases the straight lined kitchen architecture at the same time. A horizontal square railing of stainless steel colored aluminium screwed directly onto the niche back wall, provides the basic support element. Several function elements in lacquered solid oak are suspended here in various positions. The choice of instruments: shelves, paper roll holders, hook rail, utensil holder and a knife block. Separate function items can also be used as a shelf for smaller items. All lighting developed and designed by LEICHT demonstrates energy efficiency class A+ UL listed and is thus highly efficient. premium LED light with 4100 K (Kelvin) luminous color.

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Austin

This beautiful kitchen was remodeled for a growing family in the Chicago suburbs. As they were purchasing a new home, they realized there were many drawbacks to the kitchen. It needed to be redesigned to meet their lifestyle and it made sense to do it before moving in. It was a large kitchen but the functional work space was very small. The work triangle was cumbersome and traffic flowed right through it. The existing kitchen had new red oak floors. They were beautiful, but dark red floors just aren’t practical for a growing family with dogs. THE REMODEL The first thing we did was redesign the space and reorient the layout with two islands. Incorporating a built-in banquette, instead of a table, freed up plenty of room for them. The islands are strategically placed in the opposite direction of the previous layout’s single island. This not only creates a better view from the family room, it keeps the traffic flow out of the work area while facilitating two separate workspaces. The small island incorporates a new prep sink. It’s right across from the cooking area, which is a new focal point with a gorgeous new metal hood. The larger island incorporates a Galley Workstation with accessories for efficient prep, expediting and serving. The 4′ sink makes post-meal clean-up a breeze. The butler’s pantry just outside the kitchen was large enough to create a new beverage center for morning coffee and cocktail prep. An ice maker was added to this area but there wasn’t enough room for a new wine cooler and refrigerator drawers. A separate area using previously unused space was added to the kitchen (by the table) – it includes a new wine cooler and cold beverage drawers. This is framed nicely with some glass door cabinets and a lighted open niche above for decorative display. STRATEGIC DESIGN A combination of colors and finishes highlight different focal points in the kitchen – this includes a slate blue, a soft grey and a light whitewashed stain on rift-cut oak. The stained white oak makes the wine cooler and refrigeration areas look more like furniture pieces instead of kitchen cabinets. The floors were refinished with a very light grey stain that enabled us to lighten up the color and get the red out of the finish. A new ceiling was designed to add architectural detail to the space – it includes three separate tray areas with new crown molding and lighting. THE RENEWED SPACE This stunning new kitchen is the perfect fit for the family and their home – the finishes and design elements flow beautifully into the adjoining spaces. It fulfills all of the family’s dreams for a beautiful and comfortable space that is functional and versatile.

The original Kitchen had all oak cabinets. We had all of them custom painted. The perimeter cabinets in a soft beige color and the island cabinets in a slate grey. A large and cumbersome hood was removed and replaced with this sleek glass version. The pendant light added a very sophisticated element to the design. The glass backsplash is simply gorgeous and changes color depending on the time of day and your location in the space. This house has spectacular views of Puget sound and the ferry boats going by.

The original kitchen in this downtown condominium was outdated and traffic flow was cumbersome. It lacked seating options, which limited options for conversing while entertaining and hosting. The footprint was rearranged to fix this and the island was rotated to extend the kitchen’s footprint. The new island is on the outside of the work space and incorporates two tiers to keep prep space away from the seating area.

Terry Lee Cafferty
Example of an ornate medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Providence with gray walls

This kitchen, designed by David Arnoff, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a classic Frosty White paint on the perimeter and Rift Cut White Oak with a “Driftwood” stain for the island. The kitchen prior to renovation had a small island and a peninsula that blocked the flow into the other rooms. It also had a massive wood hood that flanked both sides of the range all the way down to the countertop which was very cumbersome and restrictive. The client wanted to reuse their appliances which were fairly new. So the cabinetry had to be designed around those models but laid out with a much more functional flow. David chose to eliminate the existing peninsula to allow access to the sun room and living area. He opted instead for a larger island to give back the space lost by removing the peninsula. This gave the same amount of cabinet and counter space and was far more functional and easier to move around. Since the one wall of cabinets (where the main sink is) had no wall cabinets, David designed the opposite wall with double stacked cabinets for additional storage – with glass fronts for aesthetics. They also raised the custom hood, by Amore, allowing for more countertop space around the range. The countertops are polished quartz, Aurea Stone by Eastern Stone. The Backsplash is a basket weave marble from Greenwich Tile Marble. Sink and faucets by Kohler. Appliances are a mix of Subzero and Wolf. Designer: David Arnoff Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye