We transformed an awkward bowling alley into an elegant and gracious kitchen that works for a couple or a grand occasion. The high ceilings are highlighted by an exquisite and silent hood by Ventahood set on a wall of marble mosaic. The lighting helps to define the space while not impeding sight lines. The new picture window centers upon a beautiful mature tree and offers views to their outdoor fireplace. The Peninsula offers casual dining and a staging place for dessert/appetizers out of the work zone.

Margarita Padilla-Posey
Elegant pool photo in Austin

A countertop vignette, a dessert tray with treats from French macarons to Swiss chocolate and playful American straws suggest a cultured lifestyle, influenced by world travels. @studiobaron_visual (C)2018 photographs on linen by STUDIOBARONvisual

Photo of a partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Phoenix.

Patio - coastal patio idea in Other

Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.

A peek into the dining room gives you the understanding that two different rooms forming two different functions could in fact feel as one. Transitioning between two spaces should not be jarring, you should be able to finish dinner in the dining space and casually carry the dessert plate into the family to finish off. It's the perfect entertaining space.

Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to create a grand kitchen and entertaining space as well as an inviting and spacious screened porch. The home was originally built in 1989 with 2 stories and a walk out basement looking out over a lush ravine in Northeast Ann Arbor. The new kitchen opens up to a gorgeous screened porch where our clients can have their morning coffee, family BBQs, grandchildren sleepovers, and large holiday gatherings. The large island can now hold the plethora of baked Christmas desserts. The downstairs guest room doubles as the exercise room.

Margarita Padilla-Posey
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Austin.

When meeting with our clients we love to discover their true style and then create an environment that reflects what they love! One of our clients loves to travel and hike in the midwest.?She was looking to give her kitchen a refresh so we designed a space that gives a nod to the Southwest she loves so much. Warm colors and pops of copper and black set the tone for the new space. The floor and back splash have an artistic tile that has the look of something between a wood and a tile reminiscent of textures found in the dessert. We selected a Black Galaxy granite with copper flecks for the countertops which contrasts beautifully against the cabinets that we refreshed by painting linen white. The look was completed with copper handle pulls, a black faucet and an updated GE gas stovetop oven with black grills and copper accents. Design: Eubank Design Concepts Contractor: Pinnacle Construction

Example of a minimalist home design design in Denver

Margarita Padilla-Posey
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Austin.

Margarita Padilla-Posey
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Austin.

Ideal for storing necessities, hosting a buffet and displaying desserts, this multifunctional space encourages entertaining. • European-inspired Virtuoso lends a contemporary, minimalistic aesthetic. • Lago® Adriatic Mist finish sets the tone for the soft color palette. • Sliding doors with aluminum stainless steel frames and Italian glass decorative inserts provide a bold accent. • Linear Etch glass provides subtle covered storage • Wired Mercury high-gloss slab drawer fronts contribute to the sleek look. • Push-to-open hardware offers ease of use. • Vertical shelving maximizes available space. • Wine storage and stemware rack holders keep wine and accessories in a designated space.

Edge Italian designer credenza handmade and shown in walnut wood. This luxury Italian furniture collection features a wide selection of finishes including Eucalyptus, Madagaskar, Walnut and various lacquered colors. Samples available upon request. Made in Italy.

Photo of a landscaping in Atlanta.

The tidy pantry has small appliances including a mixer stored so this area can serve as a baking center and doubles as a dessert station when entertaining.

Nimanoe is a tribute to the good life. A tale about travel, taste, passion and purpose. You can see it in the beautiful, expansive ensuite bedrooms, and the cozy, pacifying lounges and library. You can feel it in the refined furnishings, the statement pieces of art and considered spa-like spaces that beckon you in for a soothing reboot. You can hear it in the Sonos surround sound system that reaches every room, every corner of the garden, into the mountain air and beyond. You can taste it in the state-of-the-art kitchen and languid dining spaces – both indoor and outdoor. Nimanoe’s sophistication on the senses gives you license to bring your own version of the good life to fruition, surrounded by all of your favourite people. What we love! The outdoor shower adjacent the spa and sauna space, where the delicious monsters and ferns perfect the tropical paradise ambience. Nimanoe is an ideal home to work from too. With those inspirational views and tranquil sounds of the abounding nature you’ll find yourself inspired to produce that long-awaited masterpiece in the secluded office. The views of the ocean, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point Vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular and ever-changing throughout the day. What you need to know… Nimanoe offers daily housekeeping, as well as the food of fabulous chef, Natalie, who’ll whip up some delicious Ottolenghi dishes, and extraordinary desserts. Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots. For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is no more than a 5-minute drive away, where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods. The property is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and is totally secure, with a high-tech, top of the range alarm and security system – for that extra peace of mind. It also runs off a solar-system so does not feel the impact of power outages. Nimanoe is only a 5-minute drive to Noordehoek for long walks and swims. You also have the use of the property’s SUP and surf boards. Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.

You fell in love with the old house. You bought her. You planned. You went out to bid. You contracted out the job and now she's done! She's still tiny, however, and it is time to entertain. You can make the most of a tiny kitchen by utilizing all the space you do have! If you keep your counter tops clear of unnecessary stuff, you will be able to set up prep and serving centers for your guests! That's what we've done. We served the main course out of the oven and served on the range top. The rest you can see in the photos. And don't forget to spread out. Even though you have room for a coffee bar, don't forget to utilize the coffee table to have a comfy place to relax in the living room at the end of the meal! Photo Credit: Susan Shahan