Search results for "Differentiation" in Home Design Ideas

The Royal Slate Modern Home is a fan favorite because this transformation is to die for! Our client was already in the process of removing walls, but did not know how to create differentiation between their new open concept. This design was also for a young family with another on the way. DBDI made the space multi-functional adding a play space in the main living area and playful muted colors to bring some pop. It was an honor for us to turn this vintage home into a beautiful home dream.

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home.
This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality
The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout.
The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan.
This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets.
Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams.
The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools.
Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking.
To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter.
The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination.
The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close.
Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry.
The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door.
Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room.
Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look.
The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses!
Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space.
This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made.
If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

Keyes Road is a two-storey, semi-detached red brick house dating to around 1890-1910. The focus of our work was on the ground floor where we were asked to improve the layout and use of the main living areas of the house, for an active family of four. Important to the design was to maximise the quality and amount of light as well as connection to the garden and flow to the rest of the house.
Our proposal introduces three single storey extensions, comprising a central, large space that extends the main outrigger of the house. To each side are smaller volumes, affording a full width kitchen. While defining a series of discrete volumes, it was important for us to ensure that the kitchen, living, family and dining rooms that are interconnecting and continuous. The result is a big space punctuated by a series of differently sized arches, defining spaces to ensure their intimacy.
It was important for our client to have a sense of warmth and comfort - perhaps not dissimilar to the qualities of a hotel lobby. The colour scheme of the rooms are warm white painted plaster, natural wood flooring with black, bronze and brass accents. Indirect and carefully placed light fittings pulls together the atmosphere of the rooms - particularly in the evenings.
Externally, we felt it important to differentiate the extensions from the main house by using a dark, charcoal grey brick. This sets up a contrasting yet complimentary relationship to the rich red coloured brick house. The facets of the brick play with light and depth as do the graduated brick arches.
During the design process, we grappled with floor levels, the direction of sunlight, and care to not encroach on the neighbouring properties. As the house is in a conservation area, we worked closely with our trusted planning advisor. Throughout, we pursued a sensitive design strategy, using pitched roofs, matching materials and careful detailing. Internally, many of the original details are intact. This has enabled us to create an eclectic ensemble of elements, colours and materials varying in age and period.
Find the right local pro for your project

Herringbone laid white oak wood flooring differentiate the entry area from the rest of the flooring.
Double front door - transitional light wood floor and brick wall double front door idea in Kansas City with white walls and a medium wood front door
Double front door - transitional light wood floor and brick wall double front door idea in Kansas City with white walls and a medium wood front door

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere.
On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors.
Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor.
The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

Stone: Country Ledgestone - Echo Ridge
Country Ledgestone is easy to install and offers an extensive color palette that helps differentiate one ledgestone from another.
Explore Country Ledgestone: https://www.culturedstone.com/products/country-ledgestone

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home.
This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality
The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout.
The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan.
This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets.
Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams.
The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools.
Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking.
To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter.
The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination.
The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close.
Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry.
The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door.
Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room.
Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look.
The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses!
Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space.
This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made.
If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

Sunday, June 28, 3:30 to 5:00pm | Potomac, MD
Family Retreat by Lila Fendrick and Doug Stookey of Lila Fendrick Landscape Architecture and Garden Design
The landscape architects incorporated an adjoining lot to create this delightful family retreat where the clients spend time with their two sons growing vegetables, swimming, playing in splash pools, soaking in the hot tub, hiding in a below-grade fort, and running through a maze of paths formed by towering shrubs. The height differential between the owner’s house and the crest of the new lot presented opportunities for linking the two lots. The landscape architect designed dramatic lawn steps up to the new pool and pool house complex, designing tiers of waterfalls around a sunken spa, terracing the site with playfully hidden paths, and concealing a lower level parking area and garage. The project uses locally sourced Western Maryland stone on the pool house/guest house and Delaware River Jacks for the pebble paving. Utah-sourced quartzite-sandstone boulders reflect the clients’ appreciation for rugged western American landscapes. The variety of materials, linked by color and texture, and the unusual programming create a place of retreat and fun that feels far from the typical Washington, DC, area backyard. Photo by Gordon Beall

Köllen Bookshelf is a modular shelf design that allows the user to interact with it. This differentiates it from other classic pieces of furniture.
Köllen Bookshelf is a shelf created from the repetition of adaptable pieces in matter of size and shape of the objects on it. Its autonomous structure allows an independent working of each of the strips, so that they can be placed in different positions according to the user’s need. This structure will also allow for it to be a considerably decorative element: it follows a clean structure broken by a curved edge that represents the mountains, in a nod to the piece’s originary region.

The exterior was revamped with bold colors coordinating with the interior package, a new awning, and lighting. Community spaces such as the entry and hallways were also addressed with a multi-colored commercial grade carpet, new light fixtures, and a color scheme differentiating each level.

An expressive family home in Clapham.
The Brief
The brief was to create a new ground floor. It needed to be a flexible home capable of accommodating guests of all ages whilst maintaining purpose and separation between spaces.
The Solution
We proposed re-routing the hallway to become a central corridor through the ground floor plan. This would connect the rear and front halves of the property across a series of staggered level changes. We also wanted to create an enlarged rear space for entertainment that linked to the garden space.
The removal of an existing courtyard allowed for the insertion of a boot room and relocated WC central to the plan.
Separating the distinctly classical detailing of the front reception and dining room, which emphasises our clients’ favoured style and family backgrounds, from the sleek contemporary rear kitchen and entertainment space was successfully enhanced by the varied format of the timber flooring from Trunk.
Maintaining visual connectivity was achieved by way of two sizeable glazed pocket doors that enable the two halves of the plan to be differentiated from each other. At the same time, the use of internal glazing supports views through the property to the remodelled rear garden.
The bespoke designed kitchen from Eclectic Interiors introduces the user to the modernised rear extension, which features sharp detailing and a splash of colour from the feature media unit designed by our interiors team.
The symmetrical rear elevation carries through to the garden making for an interconnected, seamless transition through the property.
The Result
The combination of classical and contemporary elements marry together well to support flexible family living and entertaining. Our clients are delighted with the outcome and feel that it meets their brief and design aspirations.

HNA Hardscape Project Award Winner
Savageau Residence
Omaha, Nebraska
Paver Designs, LLC
Paver Designs LLC developed a renovation plan of the patio and pool deck which was a mishmash of stamped concrete, concrete pavers, and clay pavers. A rotting cedar tie wall also needed to be replaced. A plan included a water/fire feature flowing into the pool, a grill/bar island, stone fire place, and a fire boulder. The homeowners concrete pavers and stone for the walls. Planters were cut into the walls to create character and soften the hardscape. A flowing inlay that connected the patio "nook" area to the pool deck was hand drawn onto the field with chalk. Once all agreed on the design, the pavers were cut and a sealer was used to differentiate colors to the inlay. LED uplights highlight the walls and fire features.

This project for a builder husband and interior-designer wife involved adding onto and restoring the luster of a c. 1883 Carpenter Gothic cottage in Barrington that they had occupied for years while raising their two sons. They were ready to ditch their small tacked-on kitchen that was mostly isolated from the rest of the house, views/daylight, as well as the yard, and replace it with something more generous, brighter, and more open that would improve flow inside and out. They were also eager for a better mudroom, new first-floor 3/4 bath, new basement stair, and a new second-floor master suite above.
The design challenge was to conceive of an addition and renovations that would be in balanced conversation with the original house without dwarfing or competing with it. The new cross-gable addition echoes the original house form, at a somewhat smaller scale and with a simplified more contemporary exterior treatment that is sympathetic to the old house but clearly differentiated from it.
Renovations included the removal of replacement vinyl windows by others and the installation of new Pella black clad windows in the original house, a new dormer in one of the son’s bedrooms, and in the addition. At the first-floor interior intersection between the existing house and the addition, two new large openings enhance flow and access to daylight/view and are outfitted with pairs of salvaged oversized clear-finished wooden barn-slider doors that lend character and visual warmth.
A new exterior deck off the kitchen addition leads to a new enlarged backyard patio that is also accessible from the new full basement directly below the addition.
(Interior fit-out and interior finishes/fixtures by the Owners)

glass door cabinet displays 1950's bowl from homeowners mother.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Sacramento with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Country Ledgestone is easy to install and offers an extensive color palette that helps differentiate one ledgestone from another.
Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in Detroit
Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in Detroit

The entry is warm and inviting to the rest of the home.
The hallway leads to the office. The doors to the office are unique and a differentiated from the other rooms. An easy and elegant way to define the space.

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere.
On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors.
Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor.
The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

Kitchens are about the details, and not making everything in white makes those details stand out! Warming up a white kitchen with countertop materials and two-tone cabinets differentiates the areas within a kitchen...

This “pole” house from the early 1970s—which commands a panoramic view of Bishop’s Peak and across the valley to Cuesta Ridge—had gone through a few remodels but by 2014 was ready for some tender loving care and the owners were ready to take on the task. The redesign draws from the original “bones” of the house by maintaining and expanding the view shed from inside the house, and differentiating the existing and new forms with alternate materials and colors that blend in with the surrounding natural environment. A new bridge entrance was created to expose some existing boulders and provide for a dramatic sense of entry, while the new entry roof and exterior walls were reconfigured to create a large roof overhang. A new roof deck on the main level will afford the owners new outdoor space with the expansive view off the living area and main bedroom. The owners are performing a lot of the work themselves along with other skilled trade persons.
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