Our clients wanted to downsize to a 2500 – 2800 square foot home. With grown children and one of them already retired, they wanted to design their final, forever home. Low maintenance exterior finishes with timeless detailing was important. They also wanted lots of windows to maximize the natural light and take advantage of their bird’s eye lake view. Another important design feature was sound dampening around all bathrooms, bedrooms, and floor systems to keep with the tranquil environment they were trying to create. They wanted open concept living with a master suite on the main floor and guest bedrooms for family visitors upstairs. The ample patio and yard space are also ideal for family gatherings and enjoying all that beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

Faux brick (real brick, thinly cut) on one wall provides character, and goes well with the Carrera marble countertop and grey cabinets. (Cabinet color is Benjamin Moore- Black Iron). The pantry cabinet houses larger items like the rice cooker and food processor along with oversized food items (downsizing doesn't have to mean giving up Costco!), and the deep drawers provide plenty of room for dishware and everyday food items. The floating shelves provide extra storage, and a place to show off some of the children's artwork.

Set within a postcard backdrop, on a local farm, this beautiful single floor home was a delight to build. Its personality brings a sense of modern architecture, combined with natural materials, to achieve a well balanced modern design that fits within Vermont’s natural beauty. Our clients were downsizing from a much larger home, and wanted to invest in a smaller footprint, with a focus on efficiency and details, rather than volume. The shell is a highly insulated and air sealed package that come from a reputable panelized company. In addition to the highly insulated envelope, triple glazed windows insured this home received passive rated blower door test. Clean lines, natural wood floors and beam work, as well as handmade cabinetry helped to give this project a very livable, warm and clean vibe.

Each rack is organized by style, type, material and color making it a breeze to keep organized. The top rack is all sportwear, organized from left to right starting with Jerseys and moving on to Polos, T's, Printed T's, Long Sleeve Jerseys, Pullovers, Windbreakers, light Jackets and Hoodies. The bottom rack begins on the left with Sport Pants such as Sweats, and moves on to Sport Shorts, Dress Shorts, Golf Shorts, Golf Pants, Linens, Khakis and Jeans.

Example of a vinyl gable roof design in Minneapolis

Faux brick (real brick, thinly cut) on one wall provides character, and goes well with the Carrera marble countertop and grey cabinets. (Cabinet color is Benjamin Moore- Black Iron). The pantry cabinet houses larger items like the rice cooker and food processor along with oversized food items (downsizing doesn't have to mean giving up Costco!), and the deep drawers provide plenty of room for dishware and everyday food items. The floating shelves provide extra storage, and a place to show off some of the children's artwork. Deep windowsills provide more shelving/ display for plants and trinkets.

This bathroom was planned to be one big open wet room that is easy to maintain, it captures a spa feel and brings the light from the outdoor without sacrificing privacy. Jhoiey Ramirez & Doug Archer

Mid-sized tuscan dark wood floor and brown floor hallway photo with beige walls

Mid-sized elegant formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a small timeless men's carpeted and beige floor reach-in closet remodel in Miami

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Steven Dewall
Living room - mid-sized scandinavian living room idea in Los Angeles

The option to downsize was not an option for the empty nesters who have lived in this home for over twenty-five years. Situated in TMR, the sprawling home has been the venue for many social events, dinner parties and family celebrations. With grown children living abroad, and grand children on the way, it was important that the new kitchen be highly functional and conducive to hosting informal, yet large family gatherings. The kitchen had been relocated to the garage in the late eighties during a large renovation and was looking tired. Eight foot concrete ceilings meant the new materials and design had to create the illusion of height and light. White lacquered doors and integrated fridge panels extend to the ceiling and cast a bright reflection into the room. The teak dining table and chairs were the only elements to preserve from the old kitchen, and influenced the direction of materials to be incorporated into the new design. The island and selected lower cabinetry are made of butternut and oiled in a matte finish that relates to the teak dining set. Oversized tiles on the heated floors resemble soft concrete. The mandate for the second floor included the overhaul of the master ensuite, to create his and hers closets, and a library. Walls were relocated and the floor plan reconfigured to create a luxurious ensuite of dramatic proportions. A walk-in shower, partitioned toilet area, and 18’ vanity are among many details that add visual interest and comfort. Minimal white oak panels wrap around from the bedroom into the ensuite, and integrate two full-height pocket doors in the same material.

Photo: Eddie Dant / Joe Humphrey © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in Louisville

Reach-in closet - small traditional men's carpeted and beige floor reach-in closet idea in Miami

With a location-to-die-for on Great Neck-Ipswich, MA, this perfectly perched home was desperate for an upgrade. The clients, anxious to downsize and create a lifestyle more true to their hearts, left their hectic Wellesley address behind and set out, with kayaks in tow, for life on The Neck! Once a cookie-cutter spec-home, this reinvented craftsman style, now reminiscent of Martha’s Vineyard and the like, will inspire you to rub your eyes, blink hard and say, “We’re not in Wellesley anymore!”. The selections couldn’t have been more appropriate: Cascade Blue window cladding to compliment the Seacoast Grey Maibec shingles, the simulated divided light/multi-pane windows, the nature-inspired & earthy color palette, partially paned door, tapered columns, and an outdoor (Vineyard staple) shower adorned by a pergola overhead. The understated outdoor shower only adds to the vacation feel of this retirement retreat, perfect for rinsing off the sand after a day at Clark Beach or kayaking Ipswich Bay & Plum Island Sound. Photo Credits

WKD was asked to transform this elegant Back Bay home into a calm and tranquil oasis for its new owners, who were downsizing from the suburbs to the city. Their new life in the city would mean that most living would take place in one large room which contains living and dining spaces combined. The scale of the 19th century building required new furnishings, to take full advantage of the grand room proportions. Photographer: Eric Roth

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. This is one of 2 prep sinks by The Galley.