Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

This design scheme blends femininity, sophistication, and the bling of Art Deco with earthy, natural accents. An amoeba-shaped rug breaks the linearity in the living room that’s furnished with a lady bug-red sleeper sofa with gold piping and another curvy sofa. These are juxtaposed with chairs that have a modern Danish flavor, and the side tables add an earthy touch. The dining area can be used as a work station as well and features an elliptical-shaped table with gold velvet upholstered chairs and bubble chandeliers. A velvet, aubergine headboard graces the bed in the master bedroom that’s painted in a subtle shade of silver. Abstract murals and vibrant photography complete the look. Photography by: Sean Litchfield --- Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/leather-district-loft

LOFT Home
Example of a transitional living room design in Austin

These clients, an entrepreneur and a physician with three kids, chose their Tudor home for the neighborhood, though it didn’t match their modern-transitional taste. They asked us to help them transform their into a place to play and entertain with clean lines and lively color, namely her favorites: bold purple and refreshing apple green. Their previous layout had a stifled flow with a large sectional sofa that dominated the room, and an awkward assortment of furniture that they wanted to discard with the exception of a vintage stone dining table from her mother. The living room served as a pass through to both the family and dining rooms. The client wanted the living room to be less like a glorified hallway and become a destination. Our solution was to unify the design of this living space with the related rooms by using repetition of color and by creating usable areas for family game night, entertaining and small get togethers. The generous proportions of the room enabled us to create three functional spaces: a game table with seating for four and adjacent pull up seating for family play; a seating area at the fireplace that accommodates a large group or small conversation; and seating at the front window that provides a view of the street (not seen in the photograph). The space went from awkward to one that is used daily for family activities and socializing. As they were not interested in touching the existing architecture, transformations were made using new light fixtures, paint, distinctive furniture and art. The client had a strict budget but desired the highly styled look of couture design pieces with curves and movement. We accomplished this look by pairing a few distinctive couture items with inspired pieces that are budget balancers. We combined the couture game table with more affordable chairs inspired by a classic klismos style, as one might pair Louboutins with stylish jeans. Right- and left-arm chairs with an interesting castle-like fret base detail flank windows. To help the clients better understand the use of the color scheme, we keyed the floor plan to show how the greens and purples traveled in a balanced manner around the room and throughout the adjacent dining and family rooms. We paired apple green accents with layered hues of lavender, orchid and aubergine. Neutral taupe and ivory tones ground the bold colors. The custom rug in ivory, aubergine, pale taupe, grey-lavender was inspired by a picture the client found, but we dramatically increased the scale of the pattern in proportion to our room size. This curvy movement is echoed in the sophisticated shapes of the furniture throughout the redesigned room—from the curved sofas to the circular cutouts in the cube end table. At the windows the solid sateen panels with contrasting aubergine banding have the hand of silk, and are also cost conscious, creating room in the budget for the stunning custom pillows in Italian embroidered silk. The distinctive color and shapes throughout provide the whimsy the clients' desired with the function they needed, creating an inviting living room that is now a daily destination. Designed by KBK Interior Design www.KBKInteriorDesign.com Photo by Wing Wong

Inspiration for a french country travertine floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with blue walls

Inspired by 18th century french home furnishings. Our French Oak Grandeur Baluster Extension Dining Table is hand-crafted of solid oak and oak veneers with natural weathered oak Studio, or darker Brownstone finish. Rustic oak table top is supported by architecturally crafted turned baluster legs. Our Oak Extending Dining Table is perfectly scaled for any occasion, featuring a 20 inch extension that extends the table to a generous 98 inches. Creating a comfortable space for hosting large dinners. This extendable dining table makes a bold statement in any style home decor. Dimensions: 78-98W x 44D x 30H Hand-crafted of solid oak, and oak veneers Two available finishes Lighter Studio and Darker Brownstone Matching Side Chair, Host Chair, Shelf and Wine Cabinet also available. 20 inch leaf extends table to 98 inches Metal hardware Dust with a clean, dry cloth French country Furniture Inspired. Imported.

Trendy light wood floor dining room photo in Seattle with white walls

Photo: Ty Cole
Elegant medium tone wood floor dining room photo in New York with beige walls

Designed for Sonder ( https://www.sonder.com) Photography by Vivian Johnson

Christopher Lee
Mid-century modern dining room photo in Los Angeles

This blue and white dining room, adjacent to a sitting area, occupies a large enclosed porch. The home was newly constructed to feel like it had stood for centuries. The dining porch, which is fully enclosed was built to look like a once open porch area, complete with clapboard walls to mimic the exterior. The 19th Century English farm table is from Ralf's antiques. The Swedish inspired Louis arm chairs, also 19th Century, are French. The solid brass chandelier is an 18th Century piece, once meant for candles, which was hard wired. Motorized grass shades, sisal rugs and limstone floors keep the space fresh and casual despite the pedigree of the pieces. All fabrics are by Schumacher.

A hot trend that shows no sign of slacking, exposed brick is a great way of bringing texture into the design of the space. Playing off of the taupe in the mortar, the paired chairs at this chic dining table tie in the warm grey throughout the home while playing with a burst of color in the hanging lighting. Designer: Sally Rigg - http://www.riggnyc.com

Open dining area with big window to the ocean side.
Example of a mid-sized beach style light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with white walls, an undermount sink, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Deering Design Studio, Inc.
Trendy enclosed and formal concrete floor living room photo in Seattle with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This space was originally a traditional dining room that they didn’t see using as a family, so they transformed it into a Bar Room. They went with the concept of a swanky lounge without being too man cavy. Wallpaper – Andes in Navy by Thibaut Side Table – Lionel Side Table by Dovetail Coffee Table – Hilde Coffee Table by Uttermost Sofa – Hallman Furniture Company 2210 Sofa in Swavelle/Mill Creek Performance Velvet Striato in Citron Window Treatments – Gia in Beige by Mitchell Fabric Window Hardware – Classical Elements Shades: Coronado Woven Shades,, unlined by United Supply Pillows – Made with select flat folds at Aiden Fabrics Club Chairs – Ellington Swivel Chair in Leather by Uttermost Lamp on Bar – Spezzano Table Lamp by Uttermost Round Art on Bar – Oma Sculpture by Uttermost Floor Lamp – Revere Floor Lamp by Uttermost Chandelier – Chet 12-light Chandelier by Uttermost Shelving – Karishma Etagere by Uttermost Round Ring Sculptures – Jimena Ring Sculptures Bar Cabinet – Dov2010 Bar Cabinet by Dovetail Rug – BZ-6 Brice Faux Cow Hide Rug by Loloi Mirror – Devoll Mirror by Uttermost

Example of a mountain style dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design

Danes Custom Homes
Living room - large french country open concept living room idea in Dallas

The casual dining area adjacent to the family room features a reclaimed wood dining table, comfortable white leather chairs and a reproduction antique bench. A fabulous crystal ball chandelier anchors the area while pendant lighting over the island has an industrial feel. Justin Eckersall Photography

Susan Fisher Plotner/Susan Fisher Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary great room remodel in London with white walls and no fireplace