Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Sometimes it take a few tries to get a space to work how you want it to and that’s exactly what happened with this Hinsdale client. Their desire for a family friendly, open floor plan had them reworking an opening between the kitchen and family room and relocating some pantry cabinets in an attempt to make their home’s flow more suitable to their lifestyle. After living with this small change for a few years, they decided that a full kitchen remodel was really what was needed to make their home function the way they desired. They came in with the stereotypical “sketch on a napkin” done by an architect friend, and we proceeded to make that design come to life with a few tweaks along the way. The space was quite unique and also a bit challenging because of its multiple angled walls. While interesting, angles can be a challenge when trying make a space functional. The new kitchen has a great lineup of large appliances, including a large built-in fridge, steam oven and Galley workstation, which is a large prep sink that utilizes several inserts such as strainers and cutting boards and acts as a very large prep space. The new induction cooktop is easy to keep clean and a microwave drawer in the island is located away from the main prep space for convenient access. The main perimeter has tons of countertop space, with additional prep space available at the island and a slightly raised peninsula for casual meals and nice homework spot for the couple’s teenaged children. The kitchen also included a large shallow depth pantry and a large counter height desk area for keeping track of paperwork. The weathered finish on the cabinets and custom metal hood are a nice juxtaposition to the more sleek glass mosaic backsplash and waterfall countertops. The pendants and cabinet hardware provide modern details that provide an overall casual yet sophisticated feel in this transitional design. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Sub-Zero 48" Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator Freezer with Glass Door, 648PROG Wolf 30" Professional E Series Drawer Microwave Oven, MD30PE/S Wolf 30" Warming Drawer, Stainless Steel, WWD30

Chipper Hatter
Transitional freestanding bathtub photo in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls and an undermount sink

The breakfast area was built out with a new L-shaped banquette, and a new metal top dining table pairs with bistro chairs painted Buttermilk yellow to match the appliances. The original 1850's era maple wood walls and flooring were preserved. Project done in collaboration with Country Living for their Makeover Takeover project. photo by Annie Schlechter

FULL VIEW GLASS DOOR REQUIRES CUSTOM PANEL AND HANDLES 2 WINE STORAGE SHELVES ADJUSTABLE, SPILL PROOF SHELVES ELECTRONIC CONTROLS W/ LCD DISPLAY APPEARANCE: Full View Glass Door Overlay Design Optional Polished Chrome Handle Optional Stainless Tubular Handles Requires Custom Panel and Handles CAPACITY: 16 Bottle Capacity 5.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator Capacity CONTROLS: Electronic Controls w/ LCD Display CONVENIENCE FEATURES: Interior Accent Lighting (Matches 424 Model) Optional Door Lock DIMENSIONS: 34" H x 24" D x 23 7/8" W MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY: 12 Years Parts - Sealed System 2 Years Parts & Labor 5 Years Parts & Labor -Sealed System RACKS: Roller-Glide Wine Storage Shelves (16 Bottles) Adjustable, Spill-Proof Glass Shelves/Floor Clear Utility Bin

A laundry room is housed behind these sliding barn doors in the upstairs hallway in this near-net-zero custom built home built by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Architect: Architectural Resource, Photography: Joshua Caldwell

Dining area with built-in green velvet banquette, white cabinetry, oak table, and hardwood floors — custom net-zero home, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver.
Dining room - contemporary light wood floor and beige floor dining room idea in Vancouver with white walls

In an area represented by diverse architectural character, this Net Zero Passive Home’s unique modern style stands out, yet blends flawlessly back into its setting. This project is West Vancouver’s First Certified Passive House and first Net Zero Energy home in West Vancouver.

Kids bedroom with floral accent wallpaper, oak built-in bookshelf, window seat, and hardwood floors — custom net-zero home, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver.

In an area represented by diverse architectural character, this Net Zero Passive Home’s unique modern style stands out, yet blends flawlessly back into its setting. This project is West Vancouver’s First Certified Passive House and first Net Zero Energy home in West Vancouver.

Living room with oak and black built-in millwork wall unit, window seat, and hardwood floors — custom net-zero home, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver.
Family room - contemporary light wood floor and beige floor family room idea in Vancouver with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

One Raven is a truely unique project that pushes the boundaries of urban density without losing heritage roots. Located in the heart of North Vancouver‘s up and coming moodyville neighbourhood, One Raven will be a beacon on E 3rd. With one of the last remaining heritage buildings on the front of the lot, the project consists of a NetZero high-performance infill duplex, each complete with its suite. This will add 4 new livable units in an infill laneway format with the heritage home complementing the site. The project is built to Level 5 of the BC Energy Step Code meaning it is already at the energy targets for all buildings in 2032, 13 years early! This spectacular and unique project was designed by the talented architect Tina Hubert at Design Studio 8. The passive house inspired townhouses and suites will be accessed via an internal courtyard bi-secting the lot in an east-west orientation parallel to the street. A circulation corridor oriented north-south will be accessed from the sidewalk at the existing stone retaining wall and concrete stair. The site design creates private open spaces yet also fosters connection to the semi-private realm of the inner courtyard. Each townhouse will have access to ground level patios, gardens, balconies and roof decks. The exterior walls are “super” insulated walls that are 12” or more thick with a focus on air-tight detailing. High performance triple pane windows are oriented southward to maximize solar gain in winter and rely on shading devices in the summer. All other windows are located to promote natural ventilation and to reduce energy losses. The highly air-tight building (0.93 ACH) utilizes heat recovery ventilation system to exhaust air and bring in fresh air. The building is designed to be compact with a reduced surface area. Maximizing on-site infiltration and rainwater collection will help manage storm water runoff. Ground-oriented landscape lighting and low planting along pathways and lot lines encourage visibility and overlook. The architecture of the building is uniquely modern and clearly establishes it‘s identity, through horizontal and vertical rectilinear forms, asymmetrical window placement, slim profile detailing, standing seam metal cladding, heritage coloured siding, and architectural panelized guardrails.

One Raven is a truely unique project that pushes the boundaries of urban density without losing heritage roots. Located in the heart of North Vancouver‘s up and coming moodyville neighbourhood, One Raven will be a beacon on E 3rd. With one of the last remaining heritage buildings on the front of the lot, the project consists of a NetZero high-performance infill duplex, each complete with its suite. This will add 4 new livable units in an infill laneway format with the heritage home complementing the site. The project is built to Level 5 of the BC Energy Step Code meaning it is already at the energy targets for all buildings in 2032, 13 years early! This spectacular and unique project was designed by the talented architect Tina Hubert at Design Studio 8. The passive house inspired townhouses and suites will be accessed via an internal courtyard bi-secting the lot in an east-west orientation parallel to the street. A circulation corridor oriented north-south will be accessed from the sidewalk at the existing stone retaining wall and concrete stair. The site design creates private open spaces yet also fosters connection to the semi-private realm of the inner courtyard. Each townhouse will have access to ground level patios, gardens, balconies and roof decks. The exterior walls are “super” insulated walls that are 12” or more thick with a focus on air-tight detailing. High performance triple pane windows are oriented southward to maximize solar gain in winter and rely on shading devices in the summer. All other windows are located to promote natural ventilation and to reduce energy losses. The highly air-tight building (0.93 ACH) utilizes heat recovery ventilation system to exhaust air and bring in fresh air. The building is designed to be compact with a reduced surface area. Maximizing on-site infiltration and rainwater collection will help manage storm water runoff. Ground-oriented landscape lighting and low planting along pathways and lot lines encourage visibility and overlook. The architecture of the building is uniquely modern and clearly establishes it‘s identity, through horizontal and vertical rectilinear forms, asymmetrical window placement, slim profile detailing, standing seam metal cladding, heritage coloured siding, and architectural panelized guardrails.

In an area represented by diverse architectural character, this Net Zero Passive Home’s unique modern style stands out, yet blends flawlessly back into its setting. This project is West Vancouver’s First Certified Passive House and first Net Zero Energy home in West Vancouver.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Vancouver

Inspiration for a contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling living room remodel in Vancouver with white walls

Example of a trendy blue two-story exterior home design in Vancouver with a black roof

This infinity zero edge pool and total backyard project was done in conjunction with a nationally televised design show. At times construction was interrupted to shoot segments with film crews of up to 45 on site. The pool's zero edge is accomplished with a 3" tempered glass spill wall which creates the illusion of an invisible vanishing edge. (20 x 36, custom geometric shape)

What a True Net-Zero Energy Home Looks Like. The Primrose built on beautiful Boca Grande is the first true Net-Zero Energy Home on Gasparilla Island! Many thanks to home owners Dave and Joy. The remarkable home will produce an astounding 27% more energy than it uses over the course of a year - so a big congratulations is due the fine team Safety Harbor Builders! Please call the designer Dave Jenkins on his cell to found how it’s done.