Search results for "Environment friendly" in Home Design Ideas

RUSTIC GLAM
Time Frame: 5 Weeks // Budget: $16,000 // Design Fee: $1,250
After purchasing a new home in north Upland, this young couple enlisted me to help create a warm, relaxing environment in their living/dining space. They didn’t want anything too fussy or formal. They wanted a comfortable space to entertain, play cards and watch TV. I had a good foundation of dark wood floors and grey walls to work with. Everything else was newly purchased. Instead of a formal dining room, they requested a more relaxed space to hang out with friends. I had a custom L-shaped banquette made in a slate blue velvet and a glamorous statement chandelier installed for a wow factor. The bench came as part of the table set, but I had it reupholstered in the same fabric as the banquette. A ceiling fan and a new entry light were installed to reinforce the rustic vibe. Elegant, yet comfortable furnishings were purchased, custom 2 finger pleat drapes in an oatmeal fabric were hung, and accessories and decor were layered in to create a “lived-in” feeling. Overall, the space is now a great place to relax and hang out with family and friends.

Door made of solid pine wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16".
SOLID CORE
Solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick Solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door is manufactured from a single piece of wood with honeycomb and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.
Find the right local pro for your project

The Setup
This hall bath renovation was for empty nesters whose grandkids frequently visit, making it a priority to update the space for both adult guests and young children. Originally, the bathroom was outdated with a large sheet mirror, heavy oak cabinets, and hexagon tile flooring, giving it a dark, underwhelming look. The goal was to create a fresh, inviting environment that balances elegance with practical features for a multi-generational household.
Design objectives:
Modernize finishes and materials to update the aesthetic
Provide accessible, kid-friendly storage and shower options
Artful lighting and maintain a timeless, neutral palette
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Ensure flexibility with storage for both adult and children’s items
Retain functionality for easier bath time with young children
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Updated Storage – Replaced the dated medicine cabinet with a sleek, mirrored version on the wall, offering accessible storage without sacrificing the streamlined look. The vanity now includes additional storage for essential items, keeping surfaces clutter-free and organized.
Neutral Palette with Subtle Details – To give the bathroom a timeless look, we used a soft, monochromatic color scheme throughout. The shower tile, with a subtle sheen and texture, adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space. The floor tile’s pattern brings a sense of movement that’s refined yet durable for a high-traffic bathroom.
Flexible Shower Setup – Opted to keep the shower curtain instead of glass doors, allowing easier access for bathing young children. A spacious shower niche was installed to hold essentials, adding functionality for both the homeowner and the grandkids.
The result is a timeless hall bath with just the right blend of modern sophistication and family-friendly functionality. The subtle yet striking tile details and upgraded lighting bring elegance to the room, making it the perfect refresh for any guest and a versatile space for all ages.

The new PVD surfaces join the stainless steel archetype: three worlds of color enrich the kitchen environment with warmth, tactile pleasure and refined beauty. PVD is a treatment which uses a special technology to fix colour in steel by means of the evaporation of titanium molecules (Physical Vapour Deposition). As well as conferring a tonality, the treatment gives steel greater hardness and resistance to wear (friction and corrosion). An eco-friendly process that guarantees complete safety in contact with foodstuffs.

Introducing the extraordinary "Hidden Door" from our exclusive Planum collection. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this remarkable product combines the timeless elegance of pine wood with the innovative construction of honeycomb, resulting in a prime offering for those seeking both style and functionality in their home design.
One of the most remarkable features of the Hidden Door is its concealed Concealed Hinges, offering a sleek and seamless appearance. The absence of visible Concealed Hinges adds a touch of sophistication to the door, creating an uninterrupted visual appeal that enhances the overall elegance of your interior design.
Designed with versatility in mind, the Hidden Door can be configured to suit your specific needs. Choose between a left-hand or right-hand orientation to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience. Additionally, you can opt for either an inswing or outswing configuration, adapting the door to your spatial requirements and personal preference.
The Hidden Door features a hidden frame, available in either a striking black or sleek silver color. This subtle yet impactful detail adds an extra layer of intrigue to the door, complementing its contemporary design and offering a cohesive look to your living space. The hidden frame seamlessly integrates with the door, creating an illusion of a door suspended in mid-air, captivating the attention of all who encounter it.
Not only does the Hidden Door offer an exquisite aesthetic appeal, but it also excels in its practicality. The combination of pine wood and honeycomb construction ensures the door's durability and stability, providing long-lasting performance and peace of mind. The honeycomb core enhances the door's lightweight nature, making it easy to operate while maintaining its strength and integrity.
With its impeccable craftsmanship, customizable features, concealed Concealed Hinges, adaptable configurations, and hidden frame options, the Hidden Door from the Planum collection is the epitome of modern sophistication. Whether you seek to create a seamless and harmonious living space or make a bold statement with a captivating design element, this product will undoubtedly elevate your home's aesthetic and leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
Transform your space with the Hidden Door and unlock a world of possibilities where beauty and functionality seamlessly converge. Discover the perfect harmony of design and practicality, setting new standards in interior door innovation. Choose the Hidden Door from the Planum collection, and elevate your home to new heights of elegance.
SOLID CORE
Solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials.
Company requires use of only the safest materials.
We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones.
Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours, Inc.
St Ives Country Club
Enjoy luxury living steeped with history at St. Ives Country Club in Duluth, Georgia. St. Ives Country Club, a popular place of interest in this community, is a gated, golf and country club community that offers residents the highly desired modern-day amenities and social environment while keeping with the tradition and history of the Club. Residents enjoy an elegant and spacious clubhouse, 5-star dining experience and unique bar area with flat screen TVs and rich mahogany detail, as well as a unique men’s grill – the perfect location to relax after a long game.
St. Ives Country Club offers the highest caliber country club experience with catering services, swimming programs, a new 40 foot pool slide for the kids, and poolside cabana for food and drinks. The community also has golf and tennis pros to assist any club member that wants to sharpen up on their skills. And it’s all available in a friendly, personalized environment. St. Ives residents enjoy a play field, brunch with Santa, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Brunch, a Golf Pro Shop and a Card Room.
And with its central location, St. Ives Country Club gives residents an easy commute to anywhere in the metro Atlanta area. And with the acclaimed Tom Fazio designed St. Ives golf course on-site, you’re never more than a few minutes away from the action.
Plus, with the opening of a new phase in St Ives with 16 homesites available, there is a rare opportunity for new construction on 1/3 to 1/2 acre lots. Homes starting at just $899,000. Browse the current homes for sale at St. Ives Country Club

Meoded Paint and Plaster roots began in Europe over 40 years ago, inspired by the Italian Renaissance and the master artisans of the period. The timeless beauty and lasting construction of the Venetian plaster materials of the time influenced Meoded’s move to the U.S., where we were the first to manufacture authentic lime-based zero VOC wet decorative plasters.
Meoded’s growth in the decorative paint and faux finish trade continues to thrive by adding other unique products such as the Sapphire Metallic paint line, Crystal Brush glitter paints and Pearlas Velvet suede finishes. All of our products are eco-friendly and easy to apply. Our reputation is built on the word of mouth from loyal customers who not only trust the high quality products, but also enjoy the friendly environment and support from the helpful and talented team of experts on staff.

This Eaglemont multi bathroom project has a spectacular blend of warmth, simplistic lines lend themselves to a clean environment, great storage and creating a friendly welcoming environment.
This style focuses on simplicity and functionality.
Custom joinery presents a casual, calm cozy but yet a personal touch, taking care of all the essential storage needs that every bathroom requires.
This neutral sleek palette with a blend of timber for the double vanity certainly creating warmth along with the smart feature tile used on the splashback.
Smart storage, recess shelves between the wall studs in showers and above the bathtub to simply store shampoo and conditioner or just simply to style with candles and or greenery.
The main bathroom has used the same neutral palette but a different stone on their double vanity, creates depth, drama, and elegance in this spacious bathroom. Freestanding tubs visually extend the bathroom along with the frameless walk-in shower.

Shoreline WA Smart Pergola Design-Build Project
Project Overview
In Shoreline, WA, our team successfully completed a design-build project featuring a state-of-the-art smart pergola. This innovative outdoor structure was custom-designed to enhance the client's residential space, blending modern aesthetics with advanced technology to create a functional and luxurious backyard retreat.
Scope of Work
Design Phase: Collaborated with the client to develop a tailored pergola design that complemented the existing landscape and home architecture. Incorporated smart features such as automated louvered roofing, integrated lighting, and climate control systems.
Construction: Executed a full build, including site preparation, foundation work, and pergola installation. Utilized high-quality, weather-resistant materials to ensure durability and low maintenance.
Smart Technology Integration: Installed a user-friendly control system allowing remote operation of the pergola’s features via smartphone app or voice commands. Included adjustable slats for customizable shade and ventilation, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting for ambiance.
Landscaping Integration: Coordinated with landscapers to seamlessly integrate the pergola into the surrounding environment, enhancing the outdoor living experience.
Key Features
Automated Louvered Roof: Adjustable slats for optimal sunlight and weather protection.
Smart Controls: Wi-Fi-enabled system for remote management of lighting, louvers, and optional heating elements.
Sustainable Design: Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components to minimize environmental impact.
Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek, modern design with customizable finishes to match the client’s style.
Outcome
The Shoreline smart pergola project was completed on time and within budget, delivering a versatile outdoor space that the client can enjoy year-round. The integration of smart technology elevated the functionality, providing convenience and comfort while adding significant value to the property. The project received high praise for its craftsmanship, innovation, and seamless blend of form and function.
Location
Shoreline, WA
Project Type
Residential Design-Build

Quadro 4002 Matte Black with Frosted Glass Description
SET INCLUDES:
Door Slab, thickness 1 9/16"
Trims
Jamb
Hinges
Passage Handle
Door made of solid pine MDF and eco-veneer coating.
Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware and not pre-attached to the frame.
Assembly of frames and trims required. Door works with all swing directions.
Minimal rough opening can be calculated: door width + 2"; door height + 1 1/2".
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16".
Introducing the Classic Single Interior door from the Quadro collection - a perfect blend of form and function. Made of premium quality wood with a solid MDF core, these doors are sturdy, durable, and built to last. The matte black finish adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making it a perfect choice for any modern interior design.
This door features five panels of frosted glass that offer a great balance between privacy and light diffusion, making it ideal for any room in your home or office. Whether it's a bedroom, bathroom, or office space, the Classic Single Interior door provides an excellent solution for separating and dividing rooms.
Our Quadro collection is designed to provide you with a sleek and minimalist look that is perfect for contemporary interiors. The Classic Single Interior door is the perfect embodiment of this collection, with its clean lines and sophisticated design. You can also choose from various hinge options to ensure that it seamlessly integrates into your existing décor.
At Interior Doors New York, we take pride in providing our customers with a wide range of high-quality interior doors. Our doors are designed to add value to your space while providing privacy, comfort, and convenience. We are committed to delivering the best possible customer experience and ensuring that you get the right product for your needs.
In summary, the Classic Single Interior door from the Quadro collection is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional door that can add a touch of elegance to their home or office. With its premium quality materials, minimalist design, and various hinge options, it is sure to meet all your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, and let us help you transform your space with our beautiful doors.
SOLID CORE
Solid MDF core made by laminated MDF using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated MDF Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials.
Company requires use of only the safest materials.
We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones.
Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SEALING GUM GERMAN COMPANY DEVENTER
It has a special profile that allows to protect your home from dust, makes a cozy and quiet atmosphere around every day.
On another side it allows you to save 35 % more heat and save up to 20% to the bill.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid MDF construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door is manufactured from a single piece of MDF and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Flat slabs, thickness 1 9/16 ".
Finish - eco-veneer RENOLIT (Germany).
Please let us know if you need the extensions for the jamb.
Introducing the ""Modern French doors"" from the Quadro collection, the perfect addition to any home that desires a touch of elegance and sophistication. Crafted from high-quality wood and MDF, these doors feature a beautiful white finish that perfectly complements the frosted glass strips.
The frosted glass strips provide a level of privacy while allowing light to flow freely between rooms, creating a sense of openness and connection. This is particularly useful for homes that want to create a seamless transition between different living spaces.
These Modern French doors are available in a variety of hinge options, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect type of hinge to suit their needs. Whether you need a standard hinge, concealed hinge, or pivot hinge, the Quadro collection has got you covered.
The doors are easy to install and maintain, ensuring that they will look great and perform well for years to come. They also have a modern, sleek design that complements any decor style, making them a versatile addition to any home.
These Modern French doors from the Quadro collection are perfect for those who value style and functionality. They are ideal for use in living rooms, dining rooms, or any other area of the home where you want to create a sense of space and openness. With their beautiful design, quality construction, and various hinge options, these doors are sure to impress any homeowner.
SOLID CORE
Solid MDF core made by laminated wood using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

Inspired by noted American architect Norman Jaffe, the strikingly contemporary Sagaponack Residence on Long Island is highlighted by distinctively unique angles both inside and out. Jaffe was widely recognized for his contemporary residential style and use of natural materials and passive solar forms of design for his many South Long Island beach houses.
The 2,700 sq. ft. private residence is located one-half mile from the Atlantic coast and sited in an area that was originally characterized by long vistas over farm fields to the ocean beyond. Now, the area is thickly built up with weekend homes. The project was meant to address this change by creating a place that focuses on the immediate landscape and provides a garden environment for the owner.
A collaborative arrangement between two architectural firms brought the project to life. Andrew Reyniak, principal at ARAPC, New York, was architect of record; Mark Anthony C. Verzosa, principal at +macv, Sag Harbor, NY, was design consultant and general contractor.
“We knew we wanted to use zinc from the beginning,” Verzosa said. “We wanted a material that had a life.” Approximately 5,500 sq. ft. of prePATINA blue-grey RHEINZINK was specified to provide the life and the look that the design team sought. RHEINZINK Vertical Angled Standing Seam Panels and Flat Lock Tiles clad the exterior along with rough-sawn, locally-sourced white cedar. RHEINZINK Double Lock Standing Seam Panels were used on the roof.
“The RHEINZINK is obviously a very versatile material,” according to Verzosa. “The color blends very well into the environment and the sky in particular. And we like the way it patinas and self-heals.”
The unique design of the house incorporates unusual angles on both the exterior and interior. “There’s not a lot of 90 degree or horizontal plumb walls,” Verzosa said. “The dramatic geometry of the building created complicated detailing on the project.”
Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Metropan Systems, Inc., Bayside, NY. The company specializes in zinc façade and roofing projects, according to John Gushue, president. “We’ve done more than 60 zinc projects since 2001 and the majority have been RHEINZINK,” Gushue said. “If I could do zinc every day, I would.”
The unusual geometry of the Sagaponack Residence made for a challenging installation. “There was nothing cookie cutter about this job,” according to Gushue. “We began meeting with the architect about a year before actually starting the work in order to incorporate the very best detailing. Every fastener is hidden and there’s no caulk on the façade. Many of the RHEINZINK panels were fabricated on-site in order to bend around corners. And the flashing details had to be meticulous.”
The design of the project presents a modern, artistic look in every aspect. “Of all the zinc projects we’ve done, this is my favorite,” Gushue said. “It was a great job to be on. And properly maintained, it could last for 150 years.”

This Upper East Side prewar interior was specifically designed as a guest apartment for friends and family to stay for long periods of time. They wanted their guests to feel like home while staying in the city. Our criteria was that it had to be functional while remaining tailored, sophisticated and inviting. The space was rather dark so we opted for wallcoverings and paint colors that were soft, textural and exuded contrast. Our design was to completely renovate the living room, bathroom and master bedroom/sitting area. The kitchen was cosmetic with floor stain, paint, hardware and lighting. Grey, taupe, white and black were accents in the living room and created a friendly environment. This room also had to function as a guest room therefore a pullout sofa covered in a Lee Jofa linen was the perfect choice. The Bedroom has a soft palate which is extremely welcoming with touches of silver and pale grey. The hints of peacock blue and brown transform the space completely and work well with the pheasant mirror above the bed. There is also a reading nook where our star Winston occasionally takes naps when he returns from his runs in Central Park. Photography Jane Beiles

This couple had been using the unfinished basement as an exercise and storage area. They wanted to clean it up and make it more comfortable and usable for all their requirements, such as get togethers, relaxation, and storage.
This included making half the basement a large exercise room, including a padded floor. The other half a comfortable living and entertainment area, with TV and fireplace for coziness and entertainment for family and friends.
Extras included a bar, with sink and fridge, washroom, close to the activities, and proper lighting for all events.
They were both happy with the results that resulted in a warm and friendly environment.

 
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

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

 
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
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