The sculptural soft curves of the existing home contrast with the modern additions. All existing woodwork was restored.
Inspiration for a large eclectic wooden curved metal railing staircase remodel in Seattle with wooden risers

WATCH the time lapse video of this kitchen remodel: https://youtu.be/caemXXlauLU   Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn homeowner came to us, frustrated with the layout and size of their current kitchen, looking for help generating ideas for how to maximize functionality within the constraints of the space. After visiting with them and seeing the home’s layout, I realized that looking at the bigger picture of how they used the entire first floor might bring us some dramatic solutions. We ended up flipping the kitchen and family room and taking down the wall separating the two creating one big open floor plan for the family to enjoy. There is still a visual separation between the rooms because of their different lengths and the overall space now relates nicely to the dining room which was also opened up to both rooms. The new kitchen is an L-shaped space that is no longer cramped and small and is truly a cook’s dream. The fridge is on one end, a large cooktop and sink are located along the main perimeter and double ovens located at the end of the “L” complete the layout. Ample work surface along the perimeter and on the large island makes entertaining a breeze. An existing door to the patio remains, floods the room with light and provides easy access to the existing outdoor deck for entertaining and grilling. White cabinetry with quartz countertops, Carrera marble backsplash tile and a contrasting gray island give the space a clean and modern feel. The gray pendant lights and stainless appliances bring a slight industrial feel to the space letting you know that some serious cooking will take place here. Once we had their Dream Kitchen design completed, the homeowners decided to tackle another project at the same time. We made plans to create a master suite upstairs by combining two existing bedrooms into a larger bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. The existing spaces were not overly large so getting everything on the wish list into the design was a challenge. In the end, we came up with a design that works. The two bedrooms were adjoined, one wall moved back slightly to make for a slightly larger bedroom, and the remaining space was allotted to the new bathroom and a walk in closet. The bathroom consists of a double vanity and a large shower with a barn door shower door. A skylight brings light into the space and helps make it feel larger and more open. The new walk-in closet is accessible through the bathroom, and we even managed to fit in a small entry vestibule that houses some additional storage and makes a nice transition from the hallway. A white vanity, Carrera tops and gray floor tile make for a serene space that feels just right for this home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This was a craftsman style home with a funky kitchen layout. The homeowners wanted to keep the existing cabinets so new cabinets were added to match existing and it created more storage and countertop space. A patterned floor tile layout and pops of red made this a fun space! Construction by Next Era Construction.

The existing kitchen had seen it’s day come and go. Relocating the hall closet and widening the connection to the dining room made room for an island and opened up the flow. Window locations remained the same. The hall closet and existing cupboard/butlers pantry were removed to gain space for an island. New Custom Stainless hood with brass strapping pull the stainless appliances and brass details together. Details for the original home like the original butlers pantry inspired the vision for the new look of glass cabinets over storage drawers. Woodharbor cabinets custom made for Clawson Cabinets feature painted inset cabinets with contrasting walnut slab drawer heads. Brass hardware finishes the look.

Lighting was integrated into a new cove moulding to uplight the arched ceiling. A new faceted blackened steel fireplace surround and gas burner open the fire to the room. Existing wood floors throughout the house were stained darker to match the tone of the existing mahogany door and window trim.

Brazilian Koa (Tigerwood) Solid Prefinished 3/4" x 4" x RL 1'-7' Premium/A Grade
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in Philadelphia

Angela & Ash Hakimi
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical full sun front yard gravel water fountain landscape in San Francisco for summer.

The original kitchen in this stunning home was L-shaped and had a small island and peninsula seating. We expanded the kitchen by enclosing an existing screen porch and adding a new porch to the rear of the house with breathtaking lake views. Large picture windows replaced existing double hung windows for open views and unencumbered sight lines. The kitchen was relocated and expanded with a new and improved layout featuring an oversized island with ample seating and a warm wood countertop. The Thermador range takes center stage between the large picture windows and has a boxed hood with vent. Cabinet panels were added to the built-in refrigerator for a clean and sophisticated look. The white cabinets and marble look quartz are balanced by the warm wood floors and stained countertops. Lantern style pendant lights and strategically placed can lights add to the warmth and brightness of this spectacularly renovated kitchen. A keeping room was added where the kitchen used to be. A cozy fireplace and reworked windows provide a relaxing space for entertaining. A built-in bar and beverage station was designed for this casual, yet elegant space. A sliding barn door leads to a large walk-through pantry. The new kitchen placement allowed us to provide a connection to the existing living room with an oversized cased opening. The spaces are now perfectly aligned for daily living and entertaining. The client is thrilled with the design and is in awe of the results. Kustom Home Design provided the perfect solution for this luxury kitchen renovation.

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

This kitchen was fabricated by Lapptops and the cabinets were done by King's Woodwork! http://lapptops.net/ The island in this kitchen features Ice Brown (Alaska White) granite which blends well with the cabinets and floors. Search "bordeaux" granite, see more granite of this family or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Modern Farmhouse Addition - Spaces and Faces Photography
Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Austin

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.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client wanted a complete update of their kitchen and came to us with several objectives. They wanted a larger island and easier access to the dining room. They also wanted to eliminate the existing cooktop location from the island and make the island larger. Because the existing space was not able to accommodate all those requests, we decided to eliminate the breakfast area and incorporate that space into the kitchen. By eliminating an existing bay window and making the kitchen sink window larger, we were able to make the new layout work without sacrificing any natural light. A French door to the newly added and adjoining sunroom and casual outdoor dining spot still allows for multiple dining options. And by enlarging the opening to the dining room, it allows for easier access to this space on a daily basis versus for special occasions only. The client already had a large desk in the kitchen and spends a lot of time at this area. We were able to make the new desk even larger by moving the refrigerator to another area. The refrigerator is covered in decorative panels so that it blends nicely into the furniture look of the room. The larger island can now seat several people comfortably. The room’s traditional feel was achieved by providing different finishes on the perimeter, island and desk cabinetry. Handmade gray backsplash tile, a combination of soapstone and Carrera marble give the space a classic appeal. Details provide interest – custom glass mullions, decorative wood hood and bronze hardware give the space character and charm. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior Design by: Rachel Alcorn Architect: Rick Rearick Contractor: KJN Renovations Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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 kitchen was designed by two Bilotta designers, Randy O’Kane and Danielle Florie in concert with Murphy Brothers Contracting and Tim Button of Stedila Design Inc. It is in an existing home which was renovated with an eye to the original structure and neighborhood in Rye. The kitchen itself was an addition, as well as the family room adjacent to the kitchen. The interior wall of the kitchen was the exterior brick of the existing structure. The Waterworks Grove Brickworks tile gives the appearance of the “old” existing brick but painted. The concept was to create a new kitchen with all the up-to-date technology and accessories, but with the feel of an old scullery. We used 1” thick shaker-style Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a custom paint on the perimeter and a custom stain and texture on rift cut white oak for the island. The tall pantry larders cap off the runs of countertop allowing for work tops at each vignette. By using a column refrigerator and freezer in different sizes, we could address refrigeration needs while also addressing symmetry. The Wolf range and the fireplace in the family room are centered on each other which you can see by peeking through to each room. Reclaimed floor and beams help to give this new room that “lived-in” look. Although this kitchen is big enough for catering a large party, it still has a warm family feel with a layout that will serve both functions. Designer: Randy O’Kane & Danielle Florie, Bilotta Kitchens Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Renovation of the first floor: removing walls to create an open, flow from living, dining to kitchen areas. Sam Van Fleet
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash

Resting on the lake’s edge, this 2,600 square-foot cottage was renovated to capture the beauty of its age and history. Having been in the family for decades, an abundance of memories filled the rafters and lead the design decision, transforming it into an elegant, lakeside cabin retreat. The original pier foundation was beginning to fail, which lead to the creation of a new foundation and crawl space. The original structure still needed to be preserved, so it was elevated off of the existing pier foundation. Once resting upon its new foundation, the exterior was re-clad in shingles to match the existing exterior siding and a new entry configuration was built. Spatial and programmatic issues were addressed is this renovation to provide an optimal guest and living experience. Old spaces were connected to new and updated ones to create a variety of gathering spaces. A new garage was constructed behind the existing guesthouse and shed, all of which received new siding treatments to match that of the main residence. A revitalized landscaping plan took shape between the four structures, bringing emphasis to the defined entryway and promoting group activities at the lakefront. Photographer: MTA

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.