The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany. To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scraped hardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room. The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.

This astonishing duplex penthouse has floor-to-ceiling glass walls with unparalleled views of Manhattan. It has been designed with a modern approach to create a welcoming home space as well as being a showcase of fabulous views. The dining room design emphasizes the view with its very neutral color palette. The Blue flowing art piece reflected in the tan nailed oval mirror is a piece by artist Peggy Bates. Photography: Scott Morris

Photo: Lucy Call © 2015 Houzz
Transitional kitchen photo in Salt Lake City

Elegant patio photo in Houston

Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography

The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Orange County

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography