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

Entertaining friends and family doesn't work well when rooms are small and closed off. So when our clients decided to remodel, they knew they wanted to open up the space to accommodate large gatherings. Also important were ample storage and quality appliances that would hold up to the demands of cooking creative meals several nights a week.
As is sometimes the case with remodeling, solving one problem can create another. Opening up the space involved removing a wall, which sacrificed critical square footage for cabinetry and appliances. We knew the wall needed to come down so we were challenged with making sure every available cabinet space in the kitchen was being utilized as thoughtfully and creatively as possible. A tall pantry was added next to the refrigerator to allow for storage of pots and pans, as well as food, while another pantry in the adjacent dining room housed all dishes and silverware. A small bar area was created in an unused section in the back of the home to store coffee and tea accessories and drinkware. Finally, a small island in the center of the kitchen offered the ideal location for the microwave and most-used pots and pans.
With the expanded space, smart use of storage options and top-notch appliances, our clients are enjoying working in their new kitchen and have already hosted a ravioli-making class!
Matt Villano Photography

From builder standard to designer upgrade.
A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling.
The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock
in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling.
A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator.
And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office.
With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.
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This San Francisco condo has an open floor plan and windows galore, displaying expansive views of downtown and the Bay Bridge. The biggest challenge was where to put a television when you want to also have your seating face the view. The solution: a projector sitting on custom-made walnut floating shelves and a screen that drops down. Once that problem whas solved the furniture and decor was the icing on the cake.

BY REORIENTING THE KITCHEN AND CLOSING 2 WINDOWS WE WERE ABLE TO DOUBLE THE SIZE AND CREATE A HUGE ISLAND. THE FAMILY NOW HAS A WONDERFUL FLOW, PLENTY OF LIGHT FROM A LARGER PATIO DOOR AND GREAT SEATING WITH TONS OF COUNTER SPACE. ALL THEIR PROBLEMS WERE SOLVED WITH NO STRUCTURAL WORK INVOLVED. FULL HEIGHT BACKSPLASH OF MATCHING STONE IS JUST STUNNING.

The existing stairway had two major issues: the large wall limited the size of furniture the clients could bring upstairs, and the ceiling height was too low for tall members of the family. Problems were solved by raising the ceiling and opening the wall to add a finely-crafted banister.

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

More storage was needed by the client since there was no linen closet in the bath. This problem was solved by adding two tall units for towels and other items. A hidden hamper is a plus and glides out on the middle door.

From builder standard to designer upgrade.
A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling.
The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock
in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling.
A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator.
And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office.
With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

The client’s primary bedroom features a balcony and windows overlooking the pool, and they did not want the addition to impede their view. The problem was solved with a flat roof over the addition.

Job Name: Culver City Accessible Residence
Contractor: Glynn Design Build
Dealer: Taylor Brothers
CS Products used: Cavity Sliders Full-Height Ceiling Mount tracks, M8 500lb carriage system, and CL400 ADA locks.
What was the problem we solved: Cavity Sliders pocket door track systems and ADA compliant door locks offer space saving options which provide easy wheel chair access and maneuverability.
Comments: Our Full-Height Ceiling Mount Track and new CL400 ADA locks with custom color indicators were used to achieve the sleek contemporary style desired by the home owner.

One of the last changes to the design was to angle the base cabinet on the end to allow for more space around the custom built table with a bamboo parquet table top. The television problem was solved by building in a flat screen into the cabinet above the refrigerator. It is mounted with a swivel wall mount bracket which allows multiple viewing areas as well as access to the components located behind the television.

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve.
After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area.
The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

Wine gets better with age, but kitchens don’t. Such was the case with this Delano residence and the retired homeowners who asked us to guide them through a fresh design and color scheme in their kitchen, dining, and living room.
Design/Build Consultant — Theresa Mann
The problem to solve? The dated look of honey oak and the early 2000s in general
The solution to enjoy? Something clean, light, efficient, and elegant.

Job Name: Culver City Accessible Residence
Contractor: Glynn Design Build
Dealer: Taylor Brothers
CS Products used: Cavity Sliders Full-Height Ceiling Mount tracks, M8 500lb carriage system, and CL400 ADA locks.
What was the problem we solved: Cavity Sliders pocket door track systems and ADA compliant door locks offer space saving options which provide easy wheel chair access and maneuverability.
Comments: Our Full-Height Ceiling Mount Track and new CL400 ADA locks with custom color indicators were used to achieve the sleek contemporary style desired by the home owner.

This San Francisco condo has an open floor plan and windows galore, displaying expansive views of downtown and the Bay Bridge. The biggest challenge was where to put a television when you want to also have your seating face the view. The solution: a projector sitting on custom-made walnut floating shelves and a screen that drops down. Once that problem whas solved the furniture and decor was the icing on the cake.

From builder standard to designer upgrade.
A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling.
The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock
in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling.
A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator.
And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office.
With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!
view on new range

In Minnesota, there are probably 5 days out of the year that are idyllic for sitting outside on your uncovered deck, in the direct sun, where you won’t suffer from heat exhaustion or blood loss from mosquitos in short order.
“So, you’ve got this beautifully manicured backyard to enjoy and no way to really enjoy it at your convenience,” recalls project manager Ben Murphy. “That’s what really drove this project.”
In any remodel the biggest question is always why? Why are we doing this project? What pain are we trying to make go away or a problem to solve? In this case, the homeowners wanted to dramatically extend their outdoor living enjoyment and do so without the cost of a 4-season porch addition.
“Our solution was a relatively new product called Sunspace, that takes those 5 good days on the deck and turns them into 9 months or so of comfortable living,” explains Murphy, “And for probably 25% less in cost and a traditional four season porch.”
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