New Installation of Red Oak Wood, 3 1/4 in width. White-washed Bona Stain was used, Bona Finish, as well as Bona Traffic HD. Dustless sanding.
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Detroit

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

Photo by Jay Sifford.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   A small cramped and dated kitchen featuring an apple wallpaper border & wood paneling was transformed into a bright open concept space featuring a large island and custom cherry wood hood. The white cabinetry is accented by crisp calacutta backsplash tile and glass feature tile at the range. Blue pendant lights punctuate the room. A remodel of the fireplace in the neighboring family room anchors that space visually to the kitchen. The new space provides a comfortable gathering spot for family and friends. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

This classic white kitchen design completely transformed the space infusing it with personality, functionality, and a much improved use of square footage. The kitchen openly flows to the den and eating area. We removed the wall between the den and the dining room to create a completely open floor plan. We also took some space from the client’s two car garage to add a mudroom, so the family can come in through the garage and have a place to put everything before entering the living space. This landing area also includes a powder room. In the photo this mudroom area is the hallway space next to the wall oven. The new mudroom has plenty of coat storage and extra cabinetry for pantry and bulk items. The overall design is an incredible improvement with timeless elements. The cabinetry is from our Elmwood line and the finish is White Dove. The client chose one of our favorite quartz colors — Compac’s Unique Calacatta. The custom design details on the cabinet interiors and overall design provide much needed additional storage for organizing everything. The clean lines and custom detailing are truly timeless.

Living room - traditional formal dark wood floor living room idea in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a media wall

  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 client moved to the area to be near their adult daughter and grandchildren so this new construction is destined to be a place full of happy memories and family entertaining. The goal throughout the home was to incorporate their existing collection of artwork and sculpture with a more contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen, located on the first floor of the 3-story townhouse, shares the floor with a dining space, a living area and a powder room. The kitchen is U-shaped with the sink overlooking the dining room, the cooktop along the exterior wall, with a large clerestory window above, and the bank of tall paneled appliances and storage along the back wall. The European cabinetry is made up of three separate finishes – a light gray glossy lacquer for the base cabinets, a white glossy lacquer for the tall cabinets and a white glass finish for the wall cabinets above the cooktop. The colors are subtly different but provide a bit of texture that works nicely with the finishings chosen for the space. The stainless grooves and toe kick provide additional detail. The long peninsula provides casual seating and is topped with a custom walnut butcher block waterfall countertop that is 6” thick and has built in wine storage on the front side. This detail provides a warm spot to rest your arms and the wine storage provides a repetitive element that is heard again in the pendants and the barstool backs. The countertops are quartz, and appliances include a full size refrigerator and freezer, oven, steam oven, gas cooktop and paneled dishwasher. Cabinetry Design by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior Design by: Julie Dunfee Designs 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   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