Search results for "Efficiently converts" in Home Design Ideas

Conversion of a small ranch house to a larger simplified-Craftsman style house. We retained most of the original house, rearranging a few walls to improve an awkward layout in the original house, and added a partial second story and converted a covered patio space to a dining and family room. The clients had read Sarah Susanka’s Not So Big books and wanted to use these principles in making a beautiful and ecological house that uses space efficiently.
Photography by Phil Bond.
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/ranch-to-craftsman/

L+M's ADU is a basement converted to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with exterior & main level access, wet bar, living space with movie center & ethanol fireplace, office divided by custom steel & glass "window" grid, guest bathroom, & guest bedroom. Along with an efficient & versatile layout, we were able to get playful with the design, reflecting the whimsical personalties of the home owners.
credits
design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design
interior design: Angela Mechaley - m.o.daby design
construction: Hammish Murray Construction
custom steel fabricator: Flux Design
reclaimed wood resource: Viridian Wood
photography: Darius Kuzmickas - KuDa Photography

L+M's ADU is a basement converted to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with exterior & main level access, wet bar, living space with movie center & ethanol fireplace, office divided by custom steel & glass "window" grid, guest bathroom, & guest bedroom. Along with an efficient & versatile layout, we were able to get playful with the design, reflecting the whimsical personalties of the home owners.
credits
design: Matthew O. Daby - m.o.daby design
interior design: Angela Mechaley - m.o.daby design
construction: Hammish Murray Construction
custom steel fabricator: Flux Design
reclaimed wood resource: Viridian Wood
photography: Darius Kuzmickas - KuDa Photography
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The family's once-loved home had become a source of frustration. Their kitchen, a space meant for gathering and creating, felt cramped and outdated. Limited storage and poor organization made meal prep a tedious task, and entertaining guests a logistical nightmare. The laundry room, often overlooked, was equally problematic. Its cramped layout and lack of storage made laundry day a chore, and the noise of the washing machine echoed through the living room.
To compound the issue, the absence of dedicated office spaces made working from home a constant struggle. One makeshift office was squeezed into the dining room, while another was relegated to the basement.
The family was hesitant to embark on a major renovation, fearing the challenges and uncertainties that come with such a project. Finding a reliable contractor, ensuring timely completion, and worrying about potential shoddy workmanship were all valid concerns.
We understood their anxieties and were committed to providing a smooth and stress-free experience. Our team crafted a design that addressed each of their concerns, transforming their home into a functional and stylish space.
We reimagined the laundry room, creating a custom storage solution and incorporating a stackable washer and dryer. The open hallway to the living room was enclosed, creating a spacious closet with ample storage. The laundry room now seamlessly connected to the kitchen, simplifying the grocery unloading process.
A former juliette balcony was converted into a dedicated office space, providing a peaceful and productive work-from-home environment.
The dated and cluttered ensuite bathroom received a luxurious makeover. A clever pull-out storage system in the shower wall and a spacious niche provided much-needed organization.
While every renovation project has its challenges, this one was remarkably smooth. The only significant hurdle was some additional structural work required in the basement to support the new office space. Our experienced team handled this efficiently, minimizing any disruption.
The final result is a home that truly reflects the family's personality and lifestyle. The laundry room, now a cheerful and organized space with soft green cabinets, patterned floor tiles, and gold accents, showcases our attention to detail.
The kitchen is a stunning centerpiece, featuring a striking combination of blue and white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, and a sleek white backsplash. The adjacent beverage bar, with its glass-fronted upper cabinets, provides an elegant space for entertaining.
The ensuite bathroom is a spa-like retreat, with large-format marble tiles, a black vanity, and chrome fixtures creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
The renovation has had a profound impact on the family's daily life. Ample storage throughout the house has banished clutter, making it easier to maintain a tidy home. The seamless flow from the laundry room to the kitchen has streamlined the grocery unloading process, and the dedicated office spaces have transformed the work-from-home experience.
Beyond the physical transformation, it was the shared moments and laughter that made this project truly special. The family's enthusiasm and good humor were contagious. One of the clients, with his big personality, even starred in a walk-through video of the finished project, showcasing his infectious joy.
From choosing tiles to navigating unexpected challenges, the entire process was filled with warmth and collaboration. Even their four-year-old son, initially shy, warmed up to our site leader, Gus, nicknaming him "Gus the Bus," a moniker that endeared him to the entire team.

Before we redesigned the basement of this charming but compact 1950's North Vancouver home, this space was an unfinished utility room that housed nothing more than an outdated furnace and hot water tank. Since space was at a premium we recommended replacing the furnace with a high efficiency model and converting the hot water tank to an on-demand system, both of which could be housed in the adjacent crawl space. That left room for a generous laundry room conveniently located at the back entrance of the house where family members returning from a mountain bike ride can undress, drop muddy clothes into the washing machine and proceed to shower in the bathroom just across the hall. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

THE SETUP
Originally an empty front living room, this space offered a blank canvas for transformation. Alicia’s client — a financial wealth management professional facing a career shift towards more home-based work — was excited to make it her new office. Capitalizing on the space’s abundant natural light, perfect for on-camera meetings, Alicia helped convert the area into a primary workspace.
Design Objectives:
- Create a functional and professional home office
Cultivate an aesthetic that is both comfortable and feminine
- Optimize the office for the space’s ideal lighting and provide an appealing background for virtual meetings
Design Challenges:
- Transforming a large, undefined space into a structured, functional office
- Selecting a color palette that enhances focus and professionalism, balanced with a feminine touch
- Strategically placing the desk to maximize functionality and aesthetics within the large area
Incorporating solutions for effective real-time stock trade tracking and analog task management
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design Solutions:
Workspace Configuration: Centered the desk to utilize indirect light, ideal for video calls, while providing a commanding view of the office, the outdoors and the entrance. A floor-installed power outlet under the desk ensures a clean, cord-free setup.
Aesthetic and Palette: Anchored by a striking wallpaper chosen by the client, Alicia developed a soft, neutral color scheme that complements the room’s black window frames and maintains a feminine touch.
Digital Integration: Included a screen dedicated to monitoring daily stock trends, positioned for easy viewing. The energy efficient monitor doubles as artwork when not in use, seamlessly blending functionality with style.
Organizational Features: Implemented dual large bulletin boards for task and project tracking, integrating them aesthetically with custom cabinetry and interesting, yet subdued, fabric backing.
Our client is thrilled with her new home office, which not only meets her professional needs but also adds comfort and style to her daily work routine. The space is highly functional for both solo work and client appointments, providing a perfect blend of business professionalism and personal comfort. It embodies the essence of a #girlboss, combining a professional atmosphere with feminine elegance, making every workday enjoyable and productive.

This full-home remodel in the Broadmoor neighborhood of Seattle aimed towards functionality and a cohesive living environment tailored to modern needs. Central to the project was redesigning the kitchen with a new layout, updated finishes, fixtures, and appliances. We reconfigured the hallway to expand the primary bedroom and revamped the bathroom with a new layout and all-new finishes. An underutilized courtyard was converted to interior living space, seamlessly integrating it into the home’s footprint. The floors and windows were replaced throughout, along with other energy efficient exterior upgrades.

This neglected farmhouse has found a new family. Together we will undo the exterior muddling of the past, restore the interior spaces and create an amazing home for future generations to enjoy. As part of the process, we are improving the function, durability, energy efficiency and appearance of this home. We are converting a screen porch into a much-needed mudroom, air sealing the walls, increasing the insulation throughout, using resilient materials, and restoring the trim with classic details. Thanks to the amazing clients and excellent building crew, this restoration has been a truly rewarding process; transforming a village eyesore into a beautiful home.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers.
A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen.
The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries.
“I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.”
Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home.
Designer: Scott Christensen
Photographer: Joe Nowak

Title:
Scottsdale Golf Course Kitchen: Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Function
Description:
This aesthetic equity refresh transformed a dated kitchen into a sophisticated, highly functional space for a Scottsdale couple who love to entertain and enjoy their stunning 9th-hole golf course views.
Working within the home's existing architectural character—including soaring ceilings with natural skylights and original flooring—we created a kitchen that honors the clients' cherished antiques while delivering modern convenience for a passionate home cook.
Key Design Solutions:
Custom beverage station with wine and liquor storage for seamless entertaining
Workstation sink with integrated waste bin for efficient meal prep
Interior cabinet organizers maximizing storage throughout
Height-enhanced cabinetry adding visual impact and storage capacity
Patio door converted to an expansive window with custom-fabricated coffee table, creating an intimate morning nook overlooking the fairway
Expert retrofitting of angled cabinet runs for a cohesive, built-in appearance
Design Challenges:
The project required careful coordination of updated finishes with existing tile flooring and the clients' antique furnishings, ensuring the refresh felt intentional rather than piecemeal. Complex angles demanded custom cabinet solutions to maintain clean lines and maximize function.
The result is a kitchen that gives these homeowners—now in their 70s—decades more enjoyment from their home, blending style, accessibility, and the functional details that make daily life effortless.

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget.
New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden.
The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces.
New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace.
We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space.
We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house.
Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Back when our clients were downsizing from their suburban family home to their light filled, inner-city apartment they asked us to work with them to “create a new, apartment-scaled home that is personal, warm and inviting.” We think they nailed it. There is not a corner they have not considered and made the most of nor an opportunity missed to give a space an upgrade for maximum joy and efficiency. One of our favourite things is the desk joinery. One bedroom has been converted to a media room and office and our clients had the great idea to turn the wardrobe into a WFH space. The joinery design is super functional and (we think) super cute!

This summer cottage was winterized in the 1960’s as a year round home. The new owners decided to remodel the master suite to achieve more efficient energy saving and storage needs. After a design by another builder failed to inspire them, Excelsior Design Group was commissioned to review the project.
Client Objectives
The homeowners were looking to convert an old master bathroom into a walk in closet, remodel a guest bedroom into a master bathroom and remodel a hall bathroom into a laundry room.
Project Details
It was immediately determined that the master bath and closet layout previously designed needed to be flipped. The old master bathroom became the walk in closet for Susan. The new walk-in closet, designed to accommodate hundreds of shoes, was designed by Janis Gaut of Closet Factory and incorporates the same marble tops as the vanities and the fireplace.

This whole-house remodel converted a midcentury 3-bed 1-bath into a more modern 2-bed 2-bath with an open floor plan.
The cabinets are Frameless Black Walnut with a natural satin finish, and the floors are oak hardwoods with walnut pegs. The countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms is Quantra Quartz in Night Shade (3cm).
New insulation throughout and windows by Milgard make the home more efficient. HVAC is a Mitsubishi heat pump & air handler.

This full basement remodel included creating an office space, a communal space with a kitchenette, and a receiving area that could be convertable into an extra bedroom with a seemlessly integrated closet.

Converted existing patio into a living space to increase square footage of home & create a studio space for homeowner. A 12’ X 62’ Pergola built out of very large cedar timbers for durability & design purpose to cool down back part of the house from west setting sun & a space to relax with her husband & enjoy watching the dogs. Walkway under the Pergola are thin brick pavers. All windows & doors installed on patio are energy efficient & the patio floor is a faux finish stamped concrete overlayed on top of old concrete to give a better look to the finish for the living space.

The owners of this Mount Airy home came to InHabit with a challenge: convert a small, secluded eat-in Kitchen into a “calm and serene” Kitchen open to the Living and Dining Rooms. Simple lines and a restrained palette were utilized in the design of the modern cabinetry. An aluminum backsplash and thin, white porcelain countertop keep distractions to a minimum. With the Kitchen now visible from the front entryway, the appliances were concealed for a millwork-like appearance. Kitchen window openings were expanded to maximize natural light and the exterior walls of this 1890s home were insulated for maximum energy efficiency. No original details were comprised in the process of modernization- the heart pine flooring was repaired and restored, and all turn-of-the-century mouldings were retained.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER
Project Scope--
The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range.
Challenges--
Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions.
To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan.
To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space.
Solutions--
With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door.
Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four.
On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine.
Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

Title:
Scottsdale Golf Course Kitchen: Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Function
Description:
This aesthetic equity refresh transformed a dated kitchen into a sophisticated, highly functional space for a Scottsdale couple who love to entertain and enjoy their stunning 9th-hole golf course views.
Working within the home's existing architectural character—including soaring ceilings with natural skylights and original flooring—we created a kitchen that honors the clients' cherished antiques while delivering modern convenience for a passionate home cook.
Key Design Solutions:
Custom beverage station with wine and liquor storage for seamless entertaining
Workstation sink with integrated waste bin for efficient meal prep
Interior cabinet organizers maximizing storage throughout
Height-enhanced cabinetry adding visual impact and storage capacity
Patio door converted to an expansive window with custom-fabricated coffee table, creating an intimate morning nook overlooking the fairway
Expert retrofitting of angled cabinet runs for a cohesive, built-in appearance
Design Challenges:
The project required careful coordination of updated finishes with existing tile flooring and the clients' antique furnishings, ensuring the refresh felt intentional rather than piecemeal. Complex angles demanded custom cabinet solutions to maintain clean lines and maximize function.
The result is a kitchen that gives these homeowners—now in their 70s—decades more enjoyment from their home, blending style, accessibility, and the functional details that make daily life effortless.

Converting a tub to a walk-in shower can significantly enhance the accessibility and modern appeal of your bathroom. Our expert tub-to-shower conversion services ensure a seamless transition, providing a sleek, space-efficient solution. Upgrade your home with a stylish walk-in shower and enjoy improved safety and convenience. Contact us today to learn more about our professional tub-to-walk-in shower conversion options.
Home Dr Pros is a general contractor in Knoxville, TN that remodels kitchens, basements, attics, and tub & shower conversions in Knoxville and the greater Knoxville area.
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