Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in Miami with brown walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room remodel in Denver with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Dining room - transitional l-shaped dining room idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

As Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. commenced work in other areas of the client’s house, the homeowner began to see the transitions and grow more aware of design trends, and decided to add his master bathroom to the scope of the project. In the master shower, 4 “x 18” tiles are used vertically, and a niche was fabricated using marble tile with chrome accents. The entrance to the shower has a zero clearance entry for easy access, while the Euro glass enclosure give the bathroom a high end edge. Design Connection Inc. provided for this project: space plans, elevations, tile, lighting, material selections, wallpaper, liaison with the contractor, and project management.

Tim Maloney Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Philadelphia with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - traditional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photography by Christopher Sturnam
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional black floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with medium tone wood cabinets, no island, white countertops, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, multicolored backsplash and black appliances

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept concrete floor living room remodel in Dallas with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace

Photography by Danielle Frye
Family room - traditional family room idea in DC Metro

This cute cottage, one block from the beach, had not been updated in over 20 years. The homeowners finally decided that it was time to renovate after scrapping the idea of tearing the home down and starting over. Amazingly, they were able to give this house a fresh start with our input. We completed a full kitchen renovation and addition and updated 4 of their bathrooms. We added all new light fixtures, furniture, wallpaper, flooring, window treatments and tile. The mix of metals and wood brings a fresh vibe to the home. We loved working on this project and are so happy with the outcome! Photographed by: James Salomon

Inspiration for a coastal courtyard concrete paver patio remodel in Orange County with no cover and a bbq area

Living room - rustic formal medium tone wood floor living room idea in Orange County with brown walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

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.”

Enclosed kitchen - large modern u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

an existing attached garage has been converted into a mother in law suite for aging parents. The dutch door with glass window leads to the shared mudroom of the main house offering privacy and independence with just the right amount of support and assistance when needed. The Kitchen has all the amenities allowable by law.

Apartment Therapy: Monica Wang
Living room - mid-sized contemporary living room idea in Los Angeles

Example of a transitional master stone tile freestanding bathtub design in Chicago with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography