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

Photos downloaded from MLS are with permission from the owner.
Coastal exterior home idea in San Diego

Picture This in Lady in Grey by Shaw Floors. While our Caress Carpets by Shaw are artfully tufted, we do love the look of woven. This basket-weave pattern reveals our affinity for the woven aesthetic to perfection without any compromise to the performance and softness. Ironsmith Oak 5 in Hammer Oak by Shaw Floors. Subtle scraping – almost a hammered effect – creates a floor that's rustic yet refined. A very versatile oak. Inspired by Shaw's new app, Floorvana, available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

This open-plan kitchen project in St Albans was about creating a light-filled, family-friendly space that seamlessly connects cooking, dining, and relaxing. Our clients wanted a layout that brought everyone together while maintaining a clean, airy atmosphere with a soft, neutral colour palette. We used our handleless cabinetry in a calming Sand matte finish — a warm, light beige tone that beautifully reflects the natural light in the room. This sleek, modern style enhances the open-plan feel while providing a timeless backdrop for everyday living. Silestone Lagoon 20mm quartz worktops complement the cabinetry with soft veining and a durable surface, perfect for everyday family life. The kitchen has fully integrated Siemens appliances, offering a streamlined and efficient cooking experience. A Quooker tap adds modern-day convenience, delivering instant boiling water on demand. To ensure a cohesive feel throughout the open-plan layout, we extended the same cabinetry into the living area with bespoke media wall units in the same finish. This space is now a welcoming, multifunctional hub — bright, practical, and beautifully connected. Curious about our kitchens and what we offer? Explore more projects or download our brochure to discover our ranges, finishes, and design approach.

Photos downloaded from MLS are with permission by the owner.
Staircase photo in San Diego

This captivating photograph offers a unique perspective on the classic sunflower. Shot against a dramatic black background, the image focuses on the back of the sunflower, highlighting the intricate details of its structure. The vibrant yellow petals and the contrasting green hues of the sepals and stem create a striking visual contrast. This artistic composition brings a sense of unexpected beauty and intrigue, making it a perfect conversation starter for any space. Available in various formats, from downloadable art, loose, framed to canvases, this photograph can add a touch of modern elegance and natural beauty to your living room, dining room, bedroom, or office. For print options, please visit: https://pipafineart.com/pages/wall-decor-rustic-modern-photo-backside-of-sunflower-a-bold-nature-display

Kitchen remodel by Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design in Minneapolis. Visit our website at www.sawhillkitchens.com to see more examples of our work and download our free Guide to Remodeling.

This sleek, minimalist hood features Zephyr Connect, giving you the ability to control it from anywhere, including from your smart speaker — and it discreetly mounts into the ceiling above your cooking surface for power and an unobstructed view. Your kitchen will stay clean and smoke free with the Perimeter Aspiration System and multiple blower options, and the tri-level BriteStrip™ LED lighting ensures a good-looking glow. Available in white and stainless steel. Control your range hood from anywhere using your mobile device with the Zephyr Connect app. Get real-time diagnostics and product information, and connect to smart devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speakers. Download on mobile from the Apple App Store and Google Play today.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   From dark and dated to bright and beautiful, who says you can't take your kitchen from the past into the future? Open almost any design magazine today and you will see tons of examples of contemporary and transitional design. Maybe those designs are appealing, but you’re are just not feeling it for your own space or traditional suburban home filled with traditional furniture. Do you still have the option to remodel your kitchen in a traditional style and not have it look instantly dated? The answer is yes! This kitchen is a perfect example of how to do that. Take traditional cabinetry and sprinkle in a few updated accents and voila! In addition to the look of the space, this 1970’s neo-Tudor home also had a very traditional floorplan which was given new life for today’s living. We eliminated the wall between the kitchen and the (rarely used) dining room which opened up the whole first floor and created the open plan that the homeowners wanted. With the added space, a larger island was added with seating for casual dining. An existing room off the kitchen now works as the main dining area and even houses a fireplace! Hardworking quartz countertops were used to keep maintenance easy, and professional style appliances were added for this home cook to really get cooking in the kitchen. An apron sink, Ann Sacks bronze accent tile, green glass pendants lighting and new window treatments transition this kitchen into the current decade! 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

Sun drenched family room. Stone profile two story fireplace . Walnut wide plank hardwood flooring. Ceiling fan on download in two story family room. Arched fixed windows with mullion grills.

Minneapolis townhome wet bar by Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design in Minneapolis. Visit our website at www.sawhillkitchens.com to see more examples of our work and download our free remodeling guide. Photography by Karen Melvin Photography.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Photos downloaded from MLS are with permission by the owner.
Inspiration for a balcony remodel in San Diego

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This condo in downtown Chicago has amazing views of the city, Soldier Field and the Shedd Aquarium. The client’s goal was to update the inside view to make it more compatible with those looking out. Upper cabinets hanging over the peninsula of the existing kitchen blocked the magnificent view, so those had to go. The existing layout wasn’t bad but we felt with a few small changes it could be great. We started by separating the ovens and the fridge so that there was more symmetry and functionality to the design. And we made a more dramatic feature wall along the back elevation to showcase the cooktop area. An existing soffit was extended towards the side door to give it a more intentional look and to provide a more built-in appearance to the new pantry cabinets that were added to the left of the fridge. Semi-custom cherry cabinetry, open shelving, waterfall quartz countertops and Carrera marble backsplash tile give the space a decidedly contemporary feel perfect for city living. Now the cook can easily interact with guests and simultaneously enjoy the incredible views that the space offers. 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

A Brilliant Photo - Agneiszka Wormus
Example of a huge arts and crafts backyard concrete patio design in Denver with a roof extension

Jolynn Johnson, owner of CK+B, gained 2 hours to her day by moving 3 blocks from the showroom. A 1961 rambler was gutted and remodeled to accommodate a simpler lifestyle and 55 plus living. Every room changed location as she designed this home to fit her needs now and in the future The living room did stay in the same location, however 18” were taken from a bedroom to add the Fireplace/ Entertainment center. It started with the 4’ horizontal gas fireplace and a niche above for the TV. The tile surround is both wood stone white marble above the hearth and chocolate marble on the hearth and below. Walnut cabinets flank both sides of the fireplace for storage of media equipment and floating shelves above The bookcases in this room needed to be the same size as the bookcase in my previous home. I love decorating for Christmas and I have hundreds of Santa’s and a large village. My husband made styrofoam scenes for each shelf, which made setting up the houses and lighting so much easier. I wanted to replicate the bookshelves so he didn’t need to remake the entire scene, but again I didn’t want the same look-more contemporary. The design ended up with floating shelves of walnut wood. Each shelf has its own outlet and puck light to a switch (a lesson learned about how to get everything plugged in without cords between the shelves.) Below with cabinets for storage.

Clark Levi
Example of a transitional kids' room design in Seattle