Floors by Remo & Company did an amazing job installing these beautiful floors adding a reclaimed look to the space. Floors are Noni from our Organic Collection. 10 Ways to Bring a Reclaimed Wood Look Into Your Home http://ow.ly/QLqr300qacc Installation: +Floors by Remo and Company 

Design ideas for a landscaping in Grand Rapids.

Small eclectic open concept light wood floor and white floor living room photo in New York with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

The windows allow for an abundance of natural light.
Inspiration for a small modern detached studio / workshop shed remodel in Seattle

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   A load-bearing wall was removed to make way for this large family kitchen boasting two islands and seating for five. White cabinetry, Cambria Torquay counter tops, and white tile provide a rich contrast for the dark cherry island, stained maple flooring, and walnut butcher block table. Crystal chandeliers and knobs, and custom turned legs along with a keyed arched hood provide elegant details for this family friendly space. 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

  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

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Kitchen design by The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior design by Katherine Bowman Design (Hinsdale, IL) Photographed by Carlos Vergara

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This young family of four came in right after closing on their house and with a new baby on the way. Our goal was to complete the project prior to baby’s arrival so this project went on the expedite track. The beautiful 1920’s era brick home sits on a hill in a very picturesque neighborhood, so we were eager to give it the kitchen it deserves. The clients’ dream kitchen included pro-style appliances, a large island with seating for five and a kitchen that feels appropriate to the home’s era but that also is fresh and modern. They explicitly stated they did not want a “cookie cutter” design, so we took that to heart. The key challenge was to fit in all of the items on their wish given the room’s constraints. We eliminated an existing breakfast area and bay window and incorporated that area into the kitchen. The bay window was bricked in, and to compensate for the loss of seating, we widened the opening between the kitchen and formal dining room for more of an open concept plan. The ceiling in the original kitchen is about a foot lower than the rest of the house, and once it was determined that it was to hide pipes and other mechanicals, we reframed a large tray over the island and left the rest of the ceiling as is. Clad in walnut planks, the tray provides an interesting feature and ties in with the custom walnut and plaster hood. The space feels modern yet appropriate to its Tudor roots. The room boasts large family friendly appliances, including a beverage center and cooktop/double oven combination. Soft white inset cabinets paired with a slate gray island provide a gentle backdrop to the multi-toned island top, a color echoed in the backsplash tile. The handmade subway tile has a textured pattern at the cooktop, and large pendant lights add more than a bit of drama to the room. 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

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Los Angeles

  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

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. 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

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Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Cincinnati

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   One of my very favorite parts of the design process is space planning and considering all the possible floor plan solutions at the beginning stages of the project. What works for one person as a solution may not be the best solution for the next. What you think you want going into the process, may change once all the space planning options are considered. This was exactly the case for this family. They thought they really wanted an island configuration. Once we figured out the flow of the work triangle and saw how great a large peninsula would work for the family, we proceeded along those lines. The peninsula not only works great for food prep, it also allows more of a traditional table seating versus an island with everyone lined up in a row — not so great for daily dinner conversation. To the right of that is a counter depth fridge and a speed oven which gives some flexibility with cooking and reheating smaller meals instead of having to heat the entire oven. An induction cooktop with its easy to clean surface keeps the space looking clean and tidy. Induction heats very quickly to high temperatures so is also wonderful to cook on. To the right of cooktop is a long stretch of countertop perfect for prep space. Storage was very important to the homeowners. We took our time discussing where spice pull outs and tray dividers would be located, how the corner storage would be addressed and the location of the other items such as trash and recycling cans. We worked as many drawers as possible into the space, as I always recommend drawers over doors and/or roll outs as they offer the most flexibility and ease of use. Customizing these details is time well spent as having a place for everything and everything in its place, just like Mom said, really is the key to a functional and professionally designed kitchen. The talls and wall cabinets are white acrylic which combined with the white marble look quartz countertops and full height backsplash keep the room feeling light, bright and airy. The wood toned base cabinets are made of a textured laminate that has the look of wood but is a very easy to maintain product. Brushed gold metal on the hardware, faucet and chandelier add a warm touch and ties into the blond maple flooring. The neighboring breakfast room was also remodeled as part of the project and houses a small coffee station. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: Kari Firak For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This project was featured on an episode of TV show "House Hunters Renovation". Kitchen Studio Designer, Susan Klimala, was brought in to help homeowners design their dream kitchen. Lindsay's style was more vintage and Tyler's more streamlined, so the challenge was trying to get something that worked well for both of them. There were many construction challenges along the way, but the end result is beautiful! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. 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

Staircase to Second Floor / Architect: Pennie Zinn Garber, Lineage Architects
Inspiration for a huge rustic wooden straight open staircase remodel in Other