M. Wright Design Photographer: Marc Angeles
Laundry room - traditional laundry room idea in Los Angeles with a side-by-side washer/dryer

Balanced shade, dappled sunlight, and tree canopy views are the basis of the 518 Sacramento Drive house design. The entry is on center with the lot’s primary Live Oak tree, and each interior space has a unique relationship to this central element. Composed of crisply-detailed, considered materials, surfaces and finishes, the home is a balance of sophistication and restraint. The two-story massing is designed to allow for a bold yet humble street presence, while each single-story wing extends through the site, forming intimate outdoor and indoor spaces. Photo: Brian Mihealsick

Hoi Ning Wong
Arts and crafts detached two-car garage photo in San Francisco

Chip Riegel www.chipriegel.com
Minimalist family room photo in Providence

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The simple lines of Denali and Hilton come together for a sensible approach to modern style; designed to complement today's busy lifestyle. Denali's textured surface offers rich dimensional flair, while Hilton adds a touch of glimmer with a reflective gloss surface. Both finishes come together on the island as a design focal point offering seating, a second sink and generous storage.

The calming master bedroom with woven warm wall treatment. A folding glass door opens the bedroom to the living space while still allowing for both visual and acoustical privacy. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design. http://www.zeroenergy.com

It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

Energy efficient Earthwise windows and doors have earned both Energy Star ratings and the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in Cincinnati

Freestanding bathtub - contemporary master blue tile and gray tile beige floor and single-sink freestanding bathtub idea in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A updated farmhouse look done with gray lower cabinets and white uppers. Capture.Create Photography
Mid-sized cottage galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and white cabinets

Dan Levin - Photo Credit Coty Sidnam - SPG Architects
Example of a trendy walk-in closet design in New York

Balanced shade, dappled sunlight, and tree canopy views are the basis of the 518 Sacramento Drive house design. The entry is on center with the lot’s primary Live Oak tree, and each interior space has a unique relationship to this central element. Composed of crisply-detailed, considered materials, surfaces and finishes, the home is a balance of sophistication and restraint. The two-story massing is designed to allow for a bold yet humble street presence, while each single-story wing extends through the site, forming intimate outdoor and indoor spaces. Photo: Brian Mihealsick

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Bonnie Bogley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

Allison Bitter Photography
Bedroom and mid-sized transitional girl medium tone wood floor nursery photo in New York with purple walls

Chris Ermides
Mid-sized mountain style three-story wood gable roof photo

Holger Obenaus Photography LLC
Example of a beach style travertine floor bedroom design in Charleston with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a rustic two-story wood gable roof remodel in Sacramento