Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The clients thought that they did not want the sink on the island, however, Klimala convinced them that locating it there would provide them with a more comfortable work triangle and allow breathing room for the design. A new arched opening to the dining room provides for more of an open space for ease of daily use and practical entertaining. The large island workspace seats three comfortably and provides a view to the backyard in two directions while cozying up to the existing fireplace which is a lovely focal point for the space. The clients love of nature and desire for a tranquil space helped determine the beach inspired palette of sand, green and blue. A textured off white subway tile backsplash with bands of colored glass tile give a sense of rhythm to the simple lines of the space. A farm sink and a decorative stainless hood add personality to the room. 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

Home design - transitional home design idea in Other

During a recent remodel, these homeowners in North Oaks left their master bath for last. And when it was time to update, they listened to the recommendation of their trusted contractor. “Our contractor said that LiLu really gets what their clients are looking for,” Angi said. “I totally agree.” During the planning stages LiLu determined the footprint didn’t need to change. With those parameters in place, LiLu was free to significantly alter the space plan overall. After gutting everything, they moved walls and rerouted plumbing to make the flow more efficient. By relocating the vanities, and then shifting and enclosing the shower in glass, LiLu dramatically improved the vista from the bedroom. Aesthetically, LiLu combined dark wood with gray lacquered cabinets, they painted the room in lighter gray tones to brighten up the space, and they created a sense of verticality. Above all, the homeowners wanted her master bathroom to feel luxurious. So LiLu included several up-scale details and custom amenities in their design—a towel warmer, a built-in hamper, and a built-in hairdryer all make her dream a reality. Now whether it’s the beginning of a new day or the end of a long one, this space makes family life feel a bit more relaxing. ------- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. -------- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ ---- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/blissful-master-bath/

Since moving into her Dublin home two and a half years ago, Nancy Sanford has been peeling off the decades—quite literally. Built in the 1980s, the home was “very well-maintained, but very little had been done to it” in terms of updating the finishes or style, Sanford says. Plush white carpet ran from wall-to-wall-to-wall, almond-colored laminate coated the kitchen cabinets and wallpaper ran rampant—even covering some ceilings. Despite her efforts, Sanford knew it was going to take more than cosmetic editing to shake the ‘80s and make the home her own. Although she lives in the traditional-leaning Muirfield community, Sanford adores a minimalist, contemporary style—and admits to devouring design magazines “ad nauseam.” To implement her thoroughly modern vision, Sanford turned to Brigid Norton, an interior designer and family friend, and Kristi Youles, a kitchen designer with The JAE Company. Working together, the trio created a carefully considered contemporary design that’s easy on the eyes, and the body. In addition to improving the flow of the kitchen—by removing a V-shaped peninsula that angled out into the room—and adding appliances like a stainless steel refrigerator, Sanford’s short list of must-haves included clean, uncluttered lines and no wall cabinets over the countertops. “I’ve found as I’ve aged, I’ve gotten shorter and just don’t use the upper cabinets,” Sanford explains. Easy-access, smooth-slide drawers with clean slab fronts were the answer—resulting in strong visual lines, an open, airy feel and enhanced ergonomics. Starting with a “needs assessment,” Youles and Norton designed the space quite literally around Nancy. By looking at factors such as her height and which items she uses most frequently, they were able to determine the optimum placement for everything from canned goods in the pantry to cutlery, pans and plates in the customized drawers, all of which helped to achieve the ultimate kitchen organization. But there’s more to the kitchen cabinets smooth façade than clean-lined storage. Walnut drawer fronts—found on the oven and the base of the island—are book-matched, allowing the grain to continue from drawer to drawer. And even in spaces where drawers weren’t feasible, beneath the sink and in a desk area, the designers continued the look with cabinet doors crafted to resemble drawers. The visual continuity of these lines might not be as impactful if it weren’t for the careful selection of contrasting finishes. The designers filled the space with pure, glossy white—using a specific type of quartz, White Cliff by Cambria, to accent the bold rectangular design of the island. Then, to break up the expanse of accompanying white painted drawers, walnut was selected to bring the contrasting warmth and grain of wood without red undertones. It is commonly found in modern furniture design, as well as current productions of mid-century designs like the iconic Eames Lounge Chair from Herman Miller, Youles says.

The cabin typology redux came out of the owner’s desire to have a house that is warm and familiar, but also “feels like you are on vacation.” The basis of the “Hewn House” design starts with a cabin’s simple form and materiality: a gable roof, a wood-clad body, a prominent fireplace that acts as the hearth, and integrated indoor-outdoor spaces. However, rather than a rustic style, the scheme proposes a clean-lined and “hewned” form, sculpted, to best fit on its urban infill lot. The plan and elevation geometries are responsive to the unique site conditions. Existing prominent trees determined the faceted shape of the main house, while providing shade that projecting eaves of a traditional log cabin would otherwise offer. Deferring to the trees also allows the house to more readily tuck into its leafy East Austin neighborhood, and is therefore more quiet and secluded. Natural light and coziness are key inside the home. Both the common zone and the private quarters extend to sheltered outdoor spaces of varying scales: the front porch, the private patios, and the back porch which acts as a transition to the backyard. Similar to the front of the house, a large cedar elm was preserved in the center of the yard. Sliding glass doors open up the interior living zone to the backyard life while clerestory windows bring in additional ambient light and tree canopy views. The wood ceiling adds warmth and connection to the exterior knotted cedar tongue & groove. The iron spot bricks with an earthy, reddish tone around the fireplace cast a new material interest both inside and outside. The gable roof is clad with standing seam to reinforced the clean-lined and faceted form. Furthermore, a dark gray shade of stucco contrasts and complements the warmth of the cedar with its coolness. A freestanding guest house both separates from and connects to the main house through a small, private patio with a tall steel planter bed. Photo by Charles Davis Smith

Raza and Baneen purchased their home in Schaumburg IL. knowing it needed work, but they saw the incredible potential it had with its expanse of beautiful kitchen windows and spacious floor plan. The kitchen technically functioned fine, but was desperately outdated with its honey oak cabinets and plain countertops. This family loved to cook and host parties so it was an easy decision that the kitchen remodel was the first project they needed to tackle to make their home come to life. Baneen had very specific ideas for her new dream kitchen and had been thinking about it for over 10 years! When they met Advance Design’s Project Designer Claudia Pop, Baneen felt an instant connection. “From the first meeting, I knew that Claudia would guide us without putting down our ideas,” Baneen said. The couple had two fears common among remodeling home owners: Would the project be done on time? And, would the project stay on budget? Advance Design was able to alleviate their fears early on, as Claudia shared the “Common Sense Remodeling” process. Raza and Baneen absolutely loved the custom project analysis that helped them understand how a budget could be accurately predicted and then safeguarded during the design process. “Advance Design was spot on with both the budget and the project timeframe,” Baneen said. “Overall there were no surprises, and the budget was exactly what we were quoted. The experience was phenomenal, everybody was professional, everybody was courteous, everyone was nice, everyone was friendly. It wasn't stressful for us, they still left the house in a presentable state. It wasn't like we would come home and we were bring the kids in and it was going to be hazardous." After the relationship was cemented, Raza, Baneen and Claudia began to finalize the kitchen design. The main objective was to create a functional space for preparing meals and to create an inviting space for their family and friends to enjoy, while incorporating interesting design elements such as the iconic blue island and reclaimed Chicago brick walls. Sufficient storage space was really important to Baneen, and high quality appliances were a priority. As the overall layout was being completed, together they reviewed each cabinet to determine exactly what would be stored there. Because cooking was a high priority for this family, Claudia incorporated spice racks close to the range and included two mixer lift shelves for their larger countertop appliances. The focal point of the kitchen is the striking blue island constructed from custom colored Dura Supreme cabinets. Designed with decorative shelving and a highly functional prep sink. The couple loves the “galley” prep sink, it adds even more functionality and significantly shortens preparation and cleaning time. This island also includes a 24" Bosch Dishwasher with matching panel to blend in. "Aesthetically, and in terms of functionality, the island everything I imagined," Baneen said. "I love how beautiful it looks and how functional it is. It just brings everybody together." The Praa Sands Quartz countertop with an ogee edge profile provides excellent contrast by blending it's subtle tones with the outer cabinetry. It ties the island together with the rest of the space. Overlooking the beautiful backyard through spacious windows, the crisp white farmhouse sink is something that Baneen envisioned in her kitchen for years. Two tones of Dura Supreme Cabinetry were used throughout the rest of the kitchen. Chestnut Cherry cabinets grace the range and decorative range hood and as panels over the Wolf refrigerator and freezer. Antique White cabinets surround the perimeter, creating a warm balance that beckons guests into the softly rounded space. Drawing the eye immediately to the custom wood hood hiding a powerful 1,500 CFM ventilation system and spectacular 60” Duel Fuel Wolf range, a creatively patterned Tessen in Café & Brine backsplash detail stands out from the white subway tile backsplash spanning the outer walls. The vibrant space reflects the lively personality of the family who now loves spending time both cooking and enjoying this kitchen as a family. “The end result is a beautiful and extremely functional kitchen that is able to handle a growing family, lots of parties and lots of cooking,” Claudia said. “Advance Design was wonderfully professional and a pleasure to work with. They catered to what my needs and ideas were, while skillfully guiding us to make the right choices where we seemed lost,” Baneen said.

The brick color featured on this home is Kennewick. This brick comes in King Size and is available at the Oklahoma City Plant. Please visit brick.com for availability in your area. © 2016 Acme Brick Company

Project Goal: Utilize an unfinished story and a half-space to give each daughter a bedroom on the second floor along with a new full bath. Challenge 1: The sloped ceilings in the area presented a challenge to how we could most cost-effectively add a bathroom within building code limits. Solution 1: We’ve come across this challenge often when trying to fit a bathroom in sloped ceiling spaces and the budget or roof doesn't support adding a dormer. In these cases, we built out what we call a "vanity soffit", a tall soffit spanning from higher on the angled portion down to a comfortable height above the faucet bringing the upper portion of the flat wall forward. Its width typically depends on lighting needs and other considerations in the space. The vanity soffit allows the vanity to drop back to the original wall maintaining floor space and clearances while also providing just enough additional height for a practical mirror. For further flexibility, we typically recommend a pivoting mirror. Challenge 2: Homeowners were told the floor structure was sound to finish for living space. Due to the spans, the first-floor ceiling joists did not meet the requirements to be second-floor floor joists. Solution 2: In order to provide a solid base for the new living space, we consulted our engineer. The existing 2x6 members spanned beyond the distance they could while still structurally supporting the new living space floor. We determined throughout most of the space we needed to add in (“sister”) 2 additional 2x6 joists between the existing joists. This additional work also took place during an unseasonably warm spell in June yet we persevered. So proud of our hard-working team.

Some long-time repeat Drury customers were ready to update their wine cellar and bar area. The right design would make the space more functional and relaxing while increasing viewable wine storage capacity. The homeowners appreciate craftsmanship and dedication – it’s the difference between good and truly great whiskies and wines. A relaxing space to appreciate such mastery would need to reflect the same kind of care and attention to detail. Design Objectives: -Remove heavy posts and archway to open the bar to the basement entertainment area -Add an undercounter ice maker -Create a clean, open display for liquor and glassware -Create a cabinet-matching rolling cart for transporting cases of wine from the area’s entryway to the wine cellar -Add drama and improve lighting -Expand the wine cellar and add ceiling-mounted cooling -Add a concealed area in the wine cellar for wine case storage -Update task and decorative lighting Design Challenges: -Complement the existing stained-cherry trim in the basement area -Determine how to include a separate area for case storage accessible from the main wine cellar -Create an updated look that integrates seamlessly with the upscale traditional Tudor home -The curved staircase called for creativity in the floor tile layout Design Solutions: -For cabinetry, a rich smoky blue-grey paint was chosen to complement the cherry stain -Gorgeous leather-finished Tiempo Cielo quartzite countertops pair beautifully with the flooring -Elegant textured-glass tile creates an interesting backdrop to open shelving -High Gloss veneer shelving elevates the space and feels more modern than the previous cabinetry -Realistic wood-look porcelain tile in a light greige tone creates a durable surface for this high traffic area -A custom rolling cart was included to move cases into the wine cellar with ease -Fresh decorative lighting in the bar and wine cellar adds drama while updating the overlook look and feel Removing the heavy posts and archway between the bar and the rest of the entertainment area made the entire space feel more welcoming and inviting. The steel blue finish on the cabinetry blends beautifully with the existing woodwork, giving the basement a fresh look. The homeowners are more than pleased with how their renewed bar and wine cellar elevates the experience of celebrating fine spirits and enjoying them with friends.

As the “nest” began to empty and her available time to maintain the home lessened, Ursula realized that it was time to sell. The 1996 home still had the original kitchen and baths, and was in need of general repair and new flooring. The HVAC system, water heater, and washer and dryer had been replaced as they aged, but the kitchen appliances, exterior, windows, and roof needed replacing. Jeff wanted to repair and update the home with quality materials and workmanship so that it would provide the most value to the new owners and sell as quickly as possible, so we got to work determining what the best use of the budget would be to accomplish this goal. We focused on updating the major interior design elements that would provide the most enjoyment, durability, and energy efficiency for the new homeowners as well as meticulously replaced worn exterior components with tasteful color palette selections. We repaired and refinished all of the kitchen cabinets and added granite counter tops and a stainless steel sink. All of the Kitchen appliances were replaced with new energy efficient stainless models. All bathroom cabinetry was repaired and refinished, all of the faucets and shower trims were replaced, and all of the toilets with EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. The master bathroom shower glass was replaced with updated semi-frameless glass. All of the hardwood flooring was refinished as well as general repair on the walls and new paint throughout. The end result was bright, open, and comfortable updated home ready for its new occupants. Design Features Durable and nicely renovated cabinetry. Granite Kitchen counter tops. Stainless Kitchen appliances. Stainless Kitchen sink and brushed nickel faucets. Brushed Nickel cabinetry and door hardware. Low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets. Refinished natural oak hardwood flooring. New carpet. New architectural roof shingles. Replaced window sashes. Complete exterior repair and painting. Light and bright No-VOC paints and finishes. Energy Efficient and Green Features Energy efficient EPA Energy Star appliances. EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. Durable No-VOC cabinetry. Low-flow faucets. Energy efficient LED lighting throughout. No-VOC paints and finishes.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

This modern take on territorial design was built in Desert Mountain. A five acre lot provided a significant challenge due to the slope of the lot dropping almost 15 feet from the street in the first fifty feet. Ron spent a good deal of time studying the site before determining the location and setting of the home and yard space. The results are a home that offers significant privacy while taking full advantage of the amazing desert views to the South and East of the property.

Vagelis Bournias designer Gothic Cabinet Craft has made custom furniture for over 40 years. Whether you need a custom fit built-in wall unit of cabinets or a unique piece that until now has only been in your imagination, Gothic can make it for you. With the American Dream and a lot of hard work. Gothic Cabinet Craft was started in 1969 in NYC by a Greek immigrant Theodore Zaharopoulos, who was determined to make it. With a focus on quality and affordability, our founder's designs evolved into practical storage solutions for urban areas. The Original ™ Storage, Original ™ Platform, and Original ™ Captains beds were all developed by him and are now a common staple in all furniture stores. A family operated business, Gothic continues to offer high quality affordable furniture for every home. To back this up, Gothic is one of the only furniture companies anywhere in the world to provide a lifetime warranty. Now serving the entire US, Gothic is the largest manufacturer of unfinished furniture on the East Coast. Gothic Cabinet Craft is a family operated business that manufacturers affordable real wood furniture for every room in your home. Stop into our stores today and experience the Gothic difference.

This large and active family determined they needed more storage and seating in their kitchen. Working with Designer, Sarah McDonald, and Project Manager, Steve Shanholtz, it was decided the elimination of the much-underused dining room would suit their needs. A large custom table with bench/seats anchored the open area between the new kitchen and comfortable family room, while a large island with seating provided the space for entertaining that they wanted. The bi-level island with open pub height seating invites family and guests to gather around without interfering in the workspace. Homeowners loved a rustic feel to match their location. Pairing together a dark Executive cabinet, replete with knots and rub through, with much lighter RD Henry rustic alder stained and glazed wall cabinets gave a unique look to the new space. Open shelving in the shallow bar setup is finished with a creamy rustic brick tile to carry the provincial vibes through the home. Our crew did a fantastic job of bringing our client’s vision to life.

Gothic Cabinet Craft has made custom furniture for over 40 years. Whether you need a custom fit built-in wall unit of cabinets or a unique piece that until now has only been in your imagination, Gothic can make it for you. With the American Dream and a lot of hard work. Gothic Cabinet Craft was started in 1969 in NYC by a Greek immigrant Theodore Zaharopoulos, who was determined to make it. With a focus on quality and affordability, our founder's designs evolved into practical storage solutions for urban areas. The Original ™ Storage, Original ™ Platform, and Original ™ Captains beds were all developed by him and are now a common staple in all furniture stores. A family operated business, Gothic continues to offer high quality affordable furniture for every home. To back this up, Gothic is one of the only furniture companies anywhere in the world to provide a lifetime warranty. Now serving the entire US, Gothic is the largest manufacturer of unfinished furniture on the East Coast. Gothic Cabinet Craft is a family operated business that manufacturers affordable real wood furniture for every room in your home. Stop into our stores today and experience the Gothic difference.

Traditional gunite with thermal bluestone coping, pebble fina finish, extended sunshelf and a built-in spa
Large elegant pool photo in New York

This is a great little house that has used back to basics construction methods that utilise ancient building techniques to help be a solution for the modern problem of climate change. The brief was a challenging one; build a beautiful, sustainable home for a family in a short period of time with a very small budget. The brief was fulfilled through the use of efficient design, second hand materials and the use of cob (earth) wall construction - which cost next to nothing but allowed for sculptural beauty. An amazing effort from a determined client then turned that into reality.

Modern minimalism as a basis for unusual, expressive art objects and author’s painting. This is what determined the main style of the living space. The concept was based on such materials as concrete and plaster, natural wood and stone. The interior had to be as natural as possible, reflecting the architectural image of the residential complex and the beauty of the surrounding nature. “The most important thing for me in this project is the result. Customers say that the interior has become their place of power! They want to return home, invite guests, spend a lot of time in their house and enjoy life here! It is very valuable and important that the project was realized almost 100%, while the customers themselves were interested not to deviate even a millimeter from the project, but to do everything exactly as the Author intended,” emphasized project designer Ksenia Mitskevich. Coswick oak Cinnamon hardwood flooring was used in the project. Designer: Ksenia Mitskevich. Photo by Sergey Pilipovich. Coswick’s partner: Domani.

ADSM703HW2: adorne® SensaDimmer - Auto-ON/Auto-OFF - 700W - Incandescent/Halogen - White ARTR152W4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - White SensaSwitches include passive infrared (PIR) sensor technology, automatically turning lights on or off when you enter or leave a room. The design features an innovative micro-movement that allows you to also manually turn on lights with a soft touch of the finger. To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch. Switch supports single-pole/3-Way/4-Way Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes. Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install. Meant to combined with "AW" series of adorne wall plates. Lamping Compatibility: Incandescent, Halogen Maximum Wattage Compatibility: 700 UL Listed Voltage: 120VAC Wire Type: 3-Wire Country: Canada Limited Lifetime Warranty