The owners of a charming home in the hills west of Paso Robles recently decided to remodel their not-so-charming kitchen. Referred to San Luis Kitchen by several of their friends, the homeowners visited our showroom and soon decided we were the best people to design a kitchen fitting the style of their home. We were delighted to get to work on the project right away. When we arrived at the house, we found a small, cramped and out-dated kitchen. The ceiling was low, the cabinets old fashioned and painted a stark dead white, and the best view in the house was neglected in a seldom-used breakfast nook (sequestered behind the kitchen peninsula). This kitchen was also handicapped by white tile counters with dark grout, odd-sized and cluttered cabinets, and small ‘desk’ tacked on to the side of the oven cabinet. Due to a marked lack of counter space & inadequate storage the homeowner had resorted to keeping her small appliances on a little cart parked in the corner and the garbage was just sitting by the wall in full view of everything! On the plus side, the kitchen opened into a nice dining room and had beautiful saltillo tile floors. Mrs. Homeowner loves to entertain and often hosts dinner parties for her friends. She enjoys visiting with her guests in the kitchen while putting the finishing touches on the evening’s meal. Sadly, her small kitchen really limited her interactions with her guests – she often felt left out of the mix at her own parties! This savvy homeowner dreamed big – a new kitchen that would accommodate multiple workstations, have space for guests to gather but not be in the way, and maybe a prettier transition from the kitchen to the dining (wine service area or hutch?) – while managing the remodel budget by reusing some of her major appliances and keeping (patching as needed) her existing floors. Responding to the homeowner’s stated wish list and the opportunities presented by the home's setting and existing architecture, the designers at San Luis Kitchen decided to expand the kitchen into the breakfast nook using Wood-Mode cabinetry. This change allowed the work area to be reoriented to take advantage of the great view – we replaced the existing window and added another while moving the door to gain space. A second sink and set of refrigerator drawers (housing fresh fruits & veggies) were included for the convenience of this mainly vegetarian cook – her prep station. The clean-up area now boasts a farmhouse style single bowl sink – adding to the ‘cottage’ charm. We located a new gas cook-top between the two workstations for easy access from each. Also tucked in here is a pullout trash/recycle cabinet for convenience and additional drawers for storage. Running parallel to the work counter we added a long butcher-block island with easy-to-access open shelves for the avid cook and seating for friendly guests placed just right to take in the view. A counter-top garage is used to hide excess small appliances. Glass door cabinets and open shelves are now available to display the owners beautiful dishware. The microwave was placed inconspicuously on the end of the island facing the refrigerator – easy access for guests (and extraneous family members) to help themselves to drinks and snacks while staying out of the cook’s way. We also moved the pantry storage away from the dining room (putting it on the far wall and closer to the work triangle) and added a furniture-like hutch in its place allowing the more formal dining area to flow seamlessly into the up-beat work area of the kitchen. This space is now also home (opposite wall) to an under counter wine refrigerator, a liquor cabinet and pretty glass door wall cabinet for stemware storage – meeting Mr. Homeowner’s desire for a bar service area. And then the aesthetic: an old-world style country cottage theme. The homeowners wanted the kitchen to have a warm feel while still loving the look of white cabinetry. San Luis Kitchen melded country-casual knotty pine base cabinets with vintage hand-brushed creamy white wall cabinets to create the desired cottage look. We also added bead board and mullioned glass doors for charm, used an inset doorstyle on the cabinets for authenticity, and mixed stone and wood counters to create an eclectic nuance in the space. All in all, the happy homeowners now boast a charming county cottage kitchen with plenty of space for entertaining their guests while creating gourmet meals to feed them.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. 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

Summer is around the corner and NOW would be the perfect time to get that outdoor living space ready that you’ve always dreamed of! And it doesn’t need months of construction, noise and dirt – we have mastered the art of transforming mundane properties into havens of relaxation and style, as we recently did with this property in Sotogrande. In just more than a week the team created this beautifully inviting structure which are now ready to be utilised at any given time for (almost!) any given purpose! Be it a sun-soaked pool party or a more sophisticated dinner party that you are hosting this summer, these structures will not only leave a lasting impression on your guests, but much more importantly, improve your quality of life in a way you never would have guessed. Pass the hassle of getting ready for summer onto capable hands. Call Cape Reed today for a free consultation & subsequent quotation on +34 951 775 495 Photo Credit: Patricia Darch Interiors

Unique double doors for your entry gives you a grand gesture to this fabulous homes entry way. JL Interiors helped this client stage this home to sell! In Bel Air, Los Angeles, it's a perfect place to enjoy your home in peace and quiet or throw a epic party. This entry way is right next to a private dining room where you can host your dinner parties. The mural on the wall in the dining room was original to the house. French doors are right next to the dining room to give that space a indoor outdoor feeling.

European Styled Charcuterie Board. Old World charm meets New World elegance in our newest Charcuterie board, part of the European styled, Mangino Collection: Tavola per Salumi. Picture this gorgeous European Oak board on the rustic table of an Italian family in the small village of Borca di Cadore, or picture it at a late night dinner party in an Upper East Side NY Loft. Or picture this beauty in your home on your table for your family and friends! Simple or Swanky, home or party this unique board is able to cover the occasion!

This stunning Douglas showhome set in the Rockland Park Community is a fresh take on modern farmhouse. Ideal for a small family, this home’s cozy main floor features an inviting front patio and moody kitchen with adjoining dining room, perfect for family dinners and intimate dinner parties alike. The upper floor has a spacious master retreat with warm textured wallpaper, a large walk in closet and intricate patterned tile in the ensuite. Rounding out the upper floor, the boys bedroom and office have the same mix of eclectic art, warm woods with leather accents as seen throughout the home. Overall, this showhome is the perfect place to start your family!

This stunning Douglas showhome set in the Rockland Park Community is a fresh take on modern farmhouse. Ideal for a small family, this home’s cozy main floor features an inviting front patio and moody kitchen with adjoining dining room, perfect for family dinners and intimate dinner parties alike. The upper floor has a spacious master retreat with warm textured wallpaper, a large walk in closet and intricate patterned tile in the ensuite. Rounding out the upper floor, the boys bedroom and office have the same mix of eclectic art, warm woods with leather accents as seen throughout the home. Overall, this showhome is the perfect place to start your family!

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. 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

The "Entertainer's" Features: The Prep Center: The massive island is designed for parties. We installed a stainless Prep Sink directly into the quartz. Our in-house plumbing team (Haltex Plumbing) ensured a perfect undermount install to protect the stone edges. The Surfaces: We used a marble-look White Quartz with Grey Veining for the island. It gives the timeless look of Carrara marble but with the durability to withstand red wine spills during a dinner party. The Contrast: Dark wood island cabinetry anchors the room, contrasting sharply with the bright quartz and natural light. Materials Used: Island Top: Calacatta-Style White Quartz Prep Sink:Stainless Undermount Faucet: Brushed Nickel High-Arc Pull-Down Flooring: Wide Plank Engineered Hardwood If you need a Flower Mound remodeling contractor who specializes in structural open-concept renovations, contact The Design House today.

This dining room was in need of a makeover! Our client felt overwhelmed when it came to finding inspiration let alone redesigning this dining room. It was important to them that this room harmonized with the rest of their modern home. There were specific requests made at the consultation… First, they needed seating for 10, as they host many dinner parties. They also enjoyed wine and therefore had a fridge where they kept it. We pushed the clients a little bit and encouraged them to make decisions they wouldn’t normally do, like the coffered application on the ceiling, which turned out to be a real focal point of the room. We found a home for all the wine (and the fridge!) in this stunning walnut and marble wine fridge buffet… perfect for the hostess with the mostess! In addition to the ambient lighting, we added some brass sconces as accent lighting to set the mood for cozy, elegant dinners. We kept the room light and airy with this cool blue color palette and soft linen curtains that draw the eyes up to the ceiling.

Design ideas for a landscaping in Los Angeles.

This stunning Douglas showhome set in the Rockland Park Community is a fresh take on modern farmhouse. Ideal for a small family, this home’s cozy main floor features an inviting front patio and moody kitchen with adjoining dining room, perfect for family dinners and intimate dinner parties alike. The upper floor has a spacious master retreat with warm textured wallpaper, a large walk in closet and intricate patterned tile in the ensuite. Rounding out the upper floor, the boys bedroom and office have the same mix of eclectic art, warm woods with leather accents as seen throughout the home. Overall, this showhome is the perfect place to start your family!

Summer is around the corner and NOW would be the perfect time to get that outdoor living space ready that you’ve always dreamed of! And it doesn’t need months of construction, noise and dirt – we have mastered the art of transforming mundane properties into havens of relaxation and style, as we recently did with this property in Sotogrande. In just more than a week the team created this beautifully inviting structure which are now ready to be utilised at any given time for (almost!) any given purpose! Be it a sun-soaked pool party or a more sophisticated dinner party that you are hosting this summer, these structures will not only leave a lasting impression on your guests, but much more importantly, improve your quality of life in a way you never would have guessed. Pass the hassle of getting ready for summer onto capable hands. Call Cape Reed today for a free consultation & subsequent quotation on +34 951 775 495 Photo Credit: Patricia Darch Interiors

This stunning Douglas showhome set in the Rockland Park Community is a fresh take on modern farmhouse. Ideal for a small family, this home’s cozy main floor features an inviting front patio and moody kitchen with adjoining dining room, perfect for family dinners and intimate dinner parties alike. The upper floor has a spacious master retreat with warm textured wallpaper, a large walk in closet and intricate patterned tile in the ensuite. Rounding out the upper floor, the boys bedroom and office have the same mix of eclectic art, warm woods with leather accents as seen throughout the home. Overall, this showhome is the perfect place to start your family!

Designed for a family who loves filling their home with friends and family, this custom dream kitchen serves as a natural gathering place for large parties, celebrations and casual get-togethers. This portion of the kitchen was thoughtfully designed to provide abundant pantry storage while creating an easy connection between the kitchen, dining room, family room and covered outdoor entertaining area. Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry provides extensive concealed storage, keeping the kitchen organized and uncluttered even when entertaining a crowd. A dramatic floor-to-ceiling wine cooler keeps the homeowners’ collection conveniently located for dinner parties and gatherings, while beautiful granite countertops, custom white cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, hardwood flooring and a coordinating tile backsplash give the space a timeless, sophisticated finish. The open layout was designed around the way this family truly lives—cooking, entertaining and spending time together. Guests can move naturally between the large kitchen island, dining area, family room and outdoor living space, creating one expansive indoor-outdoor entertainment environment. With generous seating, extensive storage, a dedicated wine refrigerator and professional-style amenities, this Redmond kitchen remodel combines the functionality of a hardworking family kitchen with the warmth and sophistication of a high-end custom home designed for entertaining.

This dining room was in need of a makeover! Our client felt overwhelmed when it came to finding inspiration let alone redesigning this dining room. It was important to them that this room harmonized with the rest of their modern home. There were specific requests made at the consultation… First, they needed seating for 10, as they host many dinner parties. They also enjoyed wine and therefore had a fridge where they kept it. We pushed the clients a little bit and encouraged them to make decisions they wouldn’t normally do, like the coffered application on the ceiling, which turned out to be a real focal point of the room. We found a home for all the wine (and the fridge!) in this stunning walnut and marble wine fridge buffet… perfect for the hostess with the mostess! In addition to the ambient lighting, we added some brass sconces as accent lighting to set the mood for cozy, elegant dinners. We kept the room light and airy with this cool blue color palette and soft linen curtains that draw the eyes up to the ceiling.

When a young, hip couple from Hong Kong purchased a waterfront condominium in New Jersey, they reached out to Decor Aid for assistance in transforming their new space into a home away from home. The couple wanted the space to be modern, homey, and traditional, while also being wholly representative of their laid-back sensibility. When the couple moved in, the walls of the apartment were painted dark green, with a grey trim. The effect was dark and somber, which was exactly what they did not want their apartment to feel like. So the first thing we did was repaint the walls, which immediately gave the space a lighter, airier feel, and set the tone for the neutral palette that would be incorporated throughout the space. Besides a few pieces that the couple had brought with them from Hong Kong, there was no existing furniture to work with. The couple stressed that they wanted the option to entertain, but that they didn’t want the apartment to be designed like a party house. The dining room table perfectly captures the couple’s refined yet rustic aesthetic, but also has the ability to expand, and accommodate a few extra guests for a small dinner party. The couple wanted their space to feel distinguished, but also wanted the apartment to feel young and hip. To offset the comfortable and neutral tones, brass elements were added throughout the apartment, which added a cohesive feel, without sacrificing the desired look. The final result is a comfortable, modern, and grown-up space that this vibrant young couple can now call home.

This handy little area has multiple uses. Being just off the kitchen it can be used as the butler's pantry for caterer's to utilize during dinner parties or pull-up a chair to pay bills while cooking dinner, and it also makes crafting easy. Plus there is plenty of storage space in the Mouser Cabinets.

Green throw pillows connect this outdoor dining area with the landscaping around it.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard brick patio remodel in Tampa with a gazebo