This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

The gray on gray palette creates a soothing dining and kitchen area that is still fresh and modern. Photography by Josh Vick
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and gray walls

Inspiration for a patio remodel in Orange County with an awning

Built on Frank Sinatra’s estate, this custom home was designed to be a fun and relaxing weekend retreat for our clients who live full time in Orange County. As a second home and playing up the mid-century vibe ubiquitous in the desert, we departed from our clients’ more traditional style to create a modern and unique space with the feel of a boutique hotel. Classic mid-century materials were used for the architectural elements and hard surfaces of the home such as walnut flooring and cabinetry, terrazzo stone and straight set brick walls, while the furnishings are a more eclectic take on modern style. We paid homage to “Old Blue Eyes” by hanging a 6’ tall image of his mug shot in the entry.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

Master bath. Vanity wall – natural stone, mosaic, Sutra Black, mini Bamboo with honed finish to bring color and detail forward, horizontally installed. Caesarstone countertop is pure white quartz, 3CM with 2 ½ mitered laminated built up edge. Drop-in rectangular trough sink with his and her faucets. Cantilevered cabinets. Floor – same as shower, 12 x 24 rectified gray porcelain tile, stacked install, parallel with vanity. Absolutely stunning.

Elegant galley multicolored floor dedicated laundry room photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a side-by-side washer/dryer and a single-bowl sink

Gil Jacobs Photography
Inspiration for a country detached studio / workshop shed remodel in Boston

  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

Large transitional master doorless shower photo in Sacramento

Example of a mountain style master carpeted bedroom design in Denver with beige walls

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING KITCHEN. 2019 Westchester Home Design Awards Best Traditional Kitchen. KBDN magazine Award winner. Houzz Kitchen of the Week January 2019. Kitchen design and cabinetry – Studio Dearborn. This historic colonial in Edgemont NY was home in the 1930s and 40s to the world famous Walter Winchell, gossip commentator. The home underwent a 2 year gut renovation with an addition and relocation of the kitchen, along with other extensive renovations. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in Rockport Gray; Bluestar range; custom hood; Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Rejuvenation Pendants; Waterstone faucet; Equipe subway tile; Foundryman hardware. Photos, Adam Kane Macchia.

KitchenLab
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and quartzite countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Providence with white walls

Deborah Triplett Photography
Example of a bedroom trendy concrete floor kids' bedroom design in Charlotte with multicolored walls

One of my favorite parts of this nursery design is the rug. My client loved this mint medallion rug, and the colors and pattern worked perfectly with the design. The large art over the crib was custom painted to pull in the mint color and add some color to the space. Design by Little Crown Interiors, Photo by Full Spectrum Photography.