Boys bedroom design in a Dallas home featuring a bold blue accent wall, warm wood furniture, and layered textiles, creating a modern, functional space with personality and comfort.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Example of a zen dining room design in Las Vegas

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. 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

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic l-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, laminate countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic l-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, laminate countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large kitchen had a lot going for it in terms of the large open space and work triangle, however the honey oak cabinets and laminate countertops left a lot to be desired. The small range was replaced with a large pro-style cooktop. Space from an existing pantry was reworked to allow for the addition of double ovens, refrigerator and butler pantry type storage. A new larger window was added and relocated to allow for better placement of the sink, and a bar area was redesigned into a more functional and visually pleasing area. This young family wanted a unique design that was not a “cookie cutter” space. To accomplish this, Klimala designed a large custom hood flanked by large storage cabinets. The hood area is a steel gray repeating the color of the island giving each of those areas equal weight and a sense of balance. The large island that houses storage and a microwave drawer is topped with a walnut butcher block. The walnut is repeated at the mantle hood and in some shallow shelving for spice storage near the cooktop. Hardworking gray quartz countertops were chosen for the rest of the space and gray limestone brick adds some texture to the backsplash area. The unique circular glass mosaic tile at the cooktop provides a stunning focal point. Globe shaped pendants repeat the circle theme above the island. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Alison Henry
Elegant entryway photo in Las Vegas

Alison Henry
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Las Vegas

Alison Henry
Elegant entryway photo in Las Vegas

Designed By: Robby & Lisa Griffin Photos By: Desired Photo
Small minimalist 3/4 multicolored tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor alcove bathtub photo in Houston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount sink, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and black walls

A desire for a more modern and zen-like environment in a historical, turn of the century stone and stucco house was the drive and challenge for this sophisticated Siemasko + Verbridge Interiors project. Along with a fresh color palette, new furniture is woven with antiques, books, and artwork to enliven the space. Carefully selected finishes enhance the openness of the glass pool structure, without competing with the grand ocean views. Thoughtfully designed cabinetry and family friendly furnishings, including a kitchenette, billiard area, and home theater, were designed for both kids and adults.

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic l-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, laminate countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a trendy galley kitchen design in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and no island

This magnificent barn home staged by BA Staging & Interiors features over 10,000 square feet of living space, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and is situated on 17.5 beautiful acres. Contemporary furniture with a rustic flare was used to create a luxurious and updated feeling while showcasing the antique barn architecture.

Example of an asian dining room design in Las Vegas

Architect - Haute Architecture Designer - Haute Architecture General Contractor - Rusk Renovations Inc. Photographer - Susan Fisher Plotner

The classic timeless, highly desired Hampton shape pool with LED lightning and dramatic stage steps. This yard displays a Hampton like feel with a small-scale Bluestone patio surrounded by a considerable amount of grass. This backyard includes multiple entertainment zones including the custom pool house, the sunbathing area, the raised conversational lounge seating, the elevated dining area, and the grass area for children to run and play. This backyard flaunts the Bergen County, New Jersey outdoor living trend.

Designer Daniel Matus
Living room - mid-sized transitional enclosed porcelain tile living room idea in Las Vegas with a bar, beige walls and a tv stand