Search results for "Enhances problem solving" in Home Design Ideas

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom.
But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working.
Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway.
To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space.
So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues.
When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath.
First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved.
Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia.
The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters.
Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi.
A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles.
Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable.
The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns.
A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures.
Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch.
A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

Transform a room with a modern built in wall unit of hardwoods that match your interior decor style. Form and function come together in any transitional, modern or contemporary design motif with the use of single or multiple hardwoods in a customize-able built in that allows your personal design style to radiate.
Our use of modern influences from the Mid Century Modern era have allowed us to create an interior design product that can enhance our clients interior decor vision and provide a dramatic visual statement while solving space planning and storage issues. Our Madison Avenue collection of built in modular wall units can be customized to enhance any room in your home or office and provide timeless eye appeal with customized function.
Our Madison Avenue wall units, plinths and casework are available in varying configurations for the bedroom that includes built in floating nightstands along with a vast array of choices for padding in differing shapes and fabric offerings. The wall installations are also available in any custom size and length and in nearly any hardwood imaginable for office, commercial, bathrooms and any other living or work environment.
Installations can be adapted to include shelving, cube arrays, floating plinth elements along with lighting options that include incorporated wall sconce and overhead LED spot lighting. Our lighting options can be controlled with our original touch switch dimmers that are built into the consoles, night stands, walls or shelving.
The pictured Mid-Century influenced console is 93.5" wide by 24" deep and high and offers three internal compartments for media and storage and two outer compartments that are covered in fabric to mimic a classic stereo console. The case is made from solid hardwood while the doors are covered in reconstituted real wood veneer over Meranti marine ply for superb stability and ultimate longevity. The four doors slide effortlessly and conceal adjustable Walnut shelves though open compartments and drawers are options in this console design.
The media console is available in a vast array of solid hardwoods, depths, widths and internal configurations while the appearance can be drastically changed by the choice of veneers for the sliding doors and by adding open compartments or visually apparent drawers to the cabinet face. The Mad Ave console is also available in various leg styles and heights that will adapt this Mid Century influenced case into a dining room sideboard, bedroom dresser or of course into a standalone stereo / media console.
Several designs within our new furniture collection along with other collections, upholstery and window treatments will be on display at our new interior design showroom and furniture gallery, Interior Design Accents located at 7 Jackson Street in East Dundee, IL.

THE SETUP
The original primary bathroom was characterized by a disjointed and segmented layout. The shower featured a bulky glass-block enclosure that overwhelmed the space visually. There was a considerable amount of open, unused space, and despite having a his and hers vanity, the arrangement lacked personal space for each user, as they shared the conjoined space between the sinks. The toilet was inconveniently located right by the door, with a half-wall partition meant to provide privacy but instead contributing to a cramped and unbalanced feel. Overall, the bathroom’s layout and design were fragmented, failing to make the most of the available space and lacking adequate storage solutions.
Design objectives:
- Reconfigure the layout to enhance functionality and flow.
- Create an elegant, upscale aesthetic that is light and bright.
- Incorporate specialized storage solutions for female hair care needs.
- Increase overall storage capacity.
- Develop a spa-like shower experience.
- Provide a significant wow factor to the space.
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
- Repositioning the toilet to a more suitable location.
- Designing hair care storage solutions without cluttering the elegant space.
- Balancing an upscale, elegant design with a feminine touch in the color palette.
- Increasing the brightness of the room without adding windows.
- Completely replacing the existing shower to create a spa-like experience.
- Planning new storage solutions without adding bulkiness or clutter to the cabinetry.
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Toilet Relocation: Moved the toilet by the window, creating a better overall layout that also opened up two full walls for cabinetry and storage solutions.
Specialized Vanity Storage: The left side of the left vanity is the wife’s. Open shelves facing across the vanity can be used for decorative or daily needs items. Pull-out docking drawers with power outlets and metal basins handle hot hair appliances.
Bright and Elegant Color Scheme: White cabinets, countertops, floors, and shower walls keep the space bright. The just-off-white wall color with a hint of pink adds a feminine touch. Thin wainscoting with white trim offers traditional-leaning elegance.
Layered Lighting Strategy: Ceiling can lights, sconces, lighted mirrors, and toe-kick lighting were installed. Natural light-rated bulbs keep the space bright and natural-feeling.
Spa-Like Shower: An extra-large shower was created using the same floor tile materials for continuity. Equipped with a Kohler Anthem system with a shower head, hand-held, and four body sprays. His and Hers niches for separate body care product storage.
Enhanced Storage Solutions: Added a linen cabinet within the vanity area for efficient storage of towels and bathroom essentials.
This elegant bathroom feels incredibly spacious now. The color palette and lights keep the room bright and cheery. Gold fixtures, the herringbone pattern on the floor, and exquisite trim work add an elegant touch. With the husband and wife having their own vanity wall sections joined at the corner, each user truly has their own space within the space. The clients are very happy with the final result.
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This is a continuous perimeter slot overflow pool with a spa. We have a secret building technique which eliminates the gurgling sound many projects experience.
How do we do it? Its a secret.
If you have one in Arizona with the gurgling problem you can contact me and I might be able to solve the problem.
This type of design appears simple, but I spent more time on the CAD design and calculations then any other pool I have ever built.

Having trouble accessing ingredients? No problem. Our base chrome shelf pull out can solve your problem.
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Our customers in Warminster, PA reached out to us for a second story deck replacement to make the switch to composite decking. One requirement was that they wanted the area underneath the deck to be waterproof which, thanks to Trex Rain Escapes, was not a problem at all. Trex created a set of products that, once installed, will divert away from the deck and will shield the area below from rain and snow. Homeowners can even opt to finish the space with an underdeck ceiling.
After removing the original decking, our Trex deck install team attached the Rain Escapes troughs to the joists using Trex sealant. Trex Enhance Foggy Wharf decking was installed along with Trex Enhance Basics decking in Clamshell as a darker border on the deck. We were even able to create a small closet under the stairs using the same decking. Our gutter installation crew finished off the project by adding a new gutter system for the Rain Escapes to drain into and keep the area under the deck dry as a bone

In addition to designing and building all of the structures you see, we added large concrete beam walls at ground level to solve an existing problem. Water from rainfall had been running into the area under the old deck. The low concrete walls we added to the deck design now divert water properly. The homeowners are quite glad to be rid of that problem! The new design provides plenty of storage space under the deck so they can easily store their waterfront toys.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom.
But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working.
Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway.
To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space.
So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues.
When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath.
First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved.
Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia.
The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters.
Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi.
A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles.
Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable.
The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns.
A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures.
Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch.
A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

The first goal of this project was to address challenges with the home’s flooring and plumbing system. Additionally, the renovation of the guest and master bathrooms was required to meet the client’s preferences and enhance functionality. Ensuring that the new flooring and foundation repair solved the existing crack issue was a crucial aspect of the project. The remodel of the guest bathroom was aimed at making it more suitable for children’s use, while the overhaul of the master bathroom considered the overall style and functionality preferred by the client. Ultimately, the project aimed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of the client’s home while addressing the various renovation requirements.

Having that drawer above the wine refrigerator was something that developed during the design phase in order to solve a related problem. I love it other problems turn into great solutions allowing elements to align and come together.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage.
For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized.
Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed.
“Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said.
The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family.
“We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said.
The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience.
“I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison.
One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said.
The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said.
The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new.
The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime.
“They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added.
“Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said.
The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves.
“I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.”
Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home.
Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way.
“I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said.
A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby.
“I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said.
Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said.
“The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said.
“I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

THE SETUP
Sam’s clients wanted to update their hall bathroom used by their three children. The goal was to create a space that is both kid-friendly and elegant, ensuring it remains functional and stylish as the children grow. The original bathroom felt confined due to dark materials and a single-sink vanity. The challenge was to find a design that looks great now and in the future.
Design objectives:
Create a sense of spaciousness
Increase storage for bathroom necessities and daily routines
Enhance lighting
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Transforming a small, dark space into a bright, open one without adding a new window
Multi-user-minded – Improving functionality for multiple users simultaneously
Timeless & kid-friendly – create a comfy kid-friendly look that won’t appear dated as the kids grow older
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Slimmer Tub and Sliding Shower Door installed to free up functional space, making the bathroom feel larger.
Lighter Materials used to reflect more light and add a vibrant feel. Open shelves above the toilet provide storage without making the space feel cramped, while allowing light from the existing window to permeate.
Dual Sink Vanity added, and split the mirror into two, creating individual stations for the kids and enhancing usability during busy routines.
Kid-Friendly Features – Incorporated toe-kick lighting that works as a nightlight, a lower-mounted shower handheld, and a large, accessible shower niche. The geometric shapes and blue color palette contribute to a fun yet sophisticated look.
The clients are thrilled with the transformation. The bathroom is now fun and elegant, providing a timeless look that will grow with the kids. They appreciate the increased functionality and the bright, open feel of the space.
This remodel successfully blends practical solutions with stylish design, ensuring the hall bathroom meets the needs of a busy family while maintaining a sophisticated look.

Our customers in Warminster, PA reached out to us for a second story deck replacement to make the switch to composite decking. One requirement was that they wanted the area underneath the deck to be waterproof which, thanks to Trex Rain Escapes, was not a problem at all. Trex created a set of products that, once installed, will divert away from the deck and will shield the area below from rain and snow. Homeowners can even opt to finish the space with an underdeck ceiling.
After removing the original decking, our Trex deck install team attached the Rain Escapes troughs to the joists using Trex sealant. Trex Enhance Foggy Wharf decking was installed along with Trex Enhance Basics decking in Clamshell as a darker border on the deck. We were even able to create a small closet under the stairs using the same decking. Our gutter installation crew finished off the project by adding a new gutter system for the Rain Escapes to drain into and keep the area under the deck dry as a bone

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

In addition to designing and building all of the structures you see, we added large concrete beam walls at ground level to solve an existing problem. Water from rainfall had been running into the area under the old deck. The low concrete walls we added to the deck design now divert water properly. The homeowners are quite glad to be rid of that problem! The new design provides plenty of storage space under the deck so they can easily store their waterfront toys.

The first goal of this project was to address challenges with the home’s flooring and plumbing system. Additionally, the renovation of the guest and master bathrooms was required to meet the client’s preferences and enhance functionality. Ensuring that the new flooring and foundation repair solved the existing crack issue was a crucial aspect of the project. The remodel of the guest bathroom was aimed at making it more suitable for children’s use, while the overhaul of the master bathroom considered the overall style and functionality preferred by the client. Ultimately, the project aimed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of the client’s home while addressing the various renovation requirements.

"TaylorPro completely remodeled our master bathroom. We had our outdated shower transformed into a modern walk-in shower, new custom cabinets installed with a beautiful quartz counter top, a giant framed vanity mirror which makes the bathroom look so much bigger and brighter, and a wood ceramic tile floor including under floor heating. Kerry Taylor also solved a hot water problem we had by installing a recirculating hot water system which allows us to have instant hot water in the shower rather than waiting forever for the water to heat up.
From start to finish TaylorPro did a professional, quality job. Kerry Taylor was always quick to respond to any question or problem and made sure all work was done properly. Bonnie, the resident designer, did a great job of creating a beautiful, functional bathroom design combining our ideas with her own. Every member of the TaylorPro team was professional, hard-working, considerate, and competent. Any remodeling project is going to be somewhat disruptive, but the TaylorPro crew made the process as painless as possible by being respectful of our home environment and always cleaning up their mess at the end of the day. I would recommend TaylorPro Design to anyone who wants a quality project done by a great team of professionals. You won't be disappointed!"
~ Judy and Stuart C, Clients
Carlsbad home with Caribbean Blue mosaic glass tile, NuHeat radiant floor heating, grey weathered plank floor tile, pebble shower pan and custom "Whale Tail" towel hooks. Classic white painted vanity with quartz counter tops.
Bathroom Design - Bonnie Bagley Catlin, Signature Designs Kitchen Bath.
Contractor - TaylorPro Design and Remodeling
Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

THE SETUP
Sam’s clients wanted to update their hall bathroom used by their three children. The goal was to create a space that is both kid-friendly and elegant, ensuring it remains functional and stylish as the children grow. The original bathroom felt confined due to dark materials and a single-sink vanity. The challenge was to find a design that looks great now and in the future.
Design objectives:
Create a sense of spaciousness
Increase storage for bathroom necessities and daily routines
Enhance lighting
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Transforming a small, dark space into a bright, open one without adding a new window
Multi-user-minded – Improving functionality for multiple users simultaneously
Timeless & kid-friendly – create a comfy kid-friendly look that won’t appear dated as the kids grow older
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Slimmer Tub and Sliding Shower Door installed to free up functional space, making the bathroom feel larger.
Lighter Materials used to reflect more light and add a vibrant feel. Open shelves above the toilet provide storage without making the space feel cramped, while allowing light from the existing window to permeate.
Dual Sink Vanity added, and split the mirror into two, creating individual stations for the kids and enhancing usability during busy routines.
Kid-Friendly Features – Incorporated toe-kick lighting that works as a nightlight, a lower-mounted shower handheld, and a large, accessible shower niche. The geometric shapes and blue color palette contribute to a fun yet sophisticated look.
The clients are thrilled with the transformation. The bathroom is now fun and elegant, providing a timeless look that will grow with the kids. They appreciate the increased functionality and the bright, open feel of the space.
This remodel successfully blends practical solutions with stylish design, ensuring the hall bathroom meets the needs of a busy family while maintaining a sophisticated look.

The hot tub installation design closed in the spa only on 3 sides, leaving one side open for repair work. It’s also where the hot tub cover fits onto the spa.
“We recently did a service call for them,” says Bill Renter. “The unenclosed area made it easy to open the control panel and check on the problem they were having. It turned out, in this case, not to be an issue with the hot tub at all. But I was able to diagnose the problem. They had an electricity issue and I recommended a particular switch the electrician could put in. I’m glad I was able to solve the issue for their electrician.”
Upshot?
The homeowner adds he’s happy with the “really cool features" of Bullfrog Spas. “That’s what helped us make our decision. The JetPaks have turned out to be great. In fact, we were in it just last night.”
Caption: Hot Tub Installation in Hastings-On-Hudson, NY: The stone-faced vault design the couple chose not only is in keeping with the stone walls so common to their area of Westchester, NY, but the width of the vault’s edging allows plenty of room for resting snacks and drinks carried to the spa from the outdoor kitchen — yes, including glasses of lemonade.

The Setup
When our clients decided to remodel their primary bathroom, the goal was to transform the space into a brighter, more open retreat tailored to their needs. The previous layout, with its enclosed zones and limited functionality, no longer met their needs. By reimagining the layout and introducing thoughtful design choices, we created a modern, elegant bathroom that serves their current and future lifestyle.
Design objectives:
- Create a brighter, more open bathroom while maintaining privacy.
- Provide functional storage solutions without relying on the old linen closet.
- Incorporate a freestanding tub, large shower, and a makeup area for added versatility.
- Retain natural light from existing windows.
- Introduce elegant finishes and accents for a timeless aesthetic.
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
- Reconfiguring the layout while keeping the existing plumbing for the toilet.
- Creating storage that houses everything that resided within the linen closet.
- Designing clearance and functionality for a freestanding tub, shower, and makeup area within the limited space.
- Accommodating the client’s desire for a pocket door in the commode room despite spatial constraints.
Introducing accent tile and cabinetry colors that align with the client’s vision yet maintain a cohesive look with the rest of the home.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
- Reimagined Layout: Moved the shower from the back of the room, creating a more open feel with additional glass while preserving privacy with a wing wall and bench. The freestanding tub was angled to optimize space and enhance circulation, with textured tile behind it adding visual interest.
- Efficient Storage: Eliminated the original linen closet and incorporated functional base cabinet storage and a designated makeup area for added utility.
- Optimized Access: Adjusted the depth of the makeup vanity to provide sufficient walkway clearance, ensuring a comfortable flow around the tub.
- Tailored Features: Installed a smaller pocket door in the commode room to resolve framing and plumbing limitations.
- Elegant Accents: Introduced a subtle marble herringbone mosaic tile in the shower and textured tile behind the tub to enhance the monochromatic palette. Painted cabinetry in a dark gray finish provided a bold yet refined contrast to the light countertops.
Final Thoughts:
The reimagined primary bathroom is a true reflection of the client’s needs and style preferences. By thoughtfully reworking the layout and incorporating functional yet elegant design elements, we created a serene and practical space that serves as a personal retreat. The result is a timeless bathroom that supports their busy lifestyle while providing moments of tranquility.
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