Tthe space was opened up to provide generous amounts of light, and wall-to-wall windows and doors were added to create one great dining experience and to allow the outside beauty to come inside. Eyes are immediately drawn to the expansive kitchen island. The custom island was painted a vintage grey with red undertones and distressed to create the perfect look. Throughout the kitchen the custom cabinets and drawers, made by Trademark Wood Products, were painted a soft, warm white. The ends of the island were custom set at the exact height for our homeowner who enjoys baking. The decision to keep the granite honed countertops lighter on the perimeter was made in order to keep the island as a bold statement. Along the outer custom wall of cabinetry incorporated a stylish and functional prep kitchen allowed our homeowners, who also love to entertain, a more useful and expansive space. After doubling the size of our homeowner’s preceding kitchen and adding custom features, baking, entertaining, or a casual night will never be the same as they overlook the backyard views of Minnehaha Creek. Susan Gilmore Photography

This modern beach house in Jacksonville Beach features a large, open entertainment area consisting of great room, kitchen, dining area and lanai. A unique second-story bridge over looks both foyer and great room. Polished concrete floors and horizontal aluminum stair railing bring a contemporary feel. The kitchen shines with European-style cabinetry and GE Profile appliances. The private upstairs master suite is situated away from other bedrooms and features a luxury master shower and floating double vanity. Two roomy secondary bedrooms share an additional bath. Photo credit: Deremer Studios

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Anchor Builders I Photographer: sethbennphoto.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Ryan Gamma
Large minimalist l-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and white cabinets

Patio - large craftsman backyard concrete paver patio idea in Philadelphia with a fire pit and no cover

Barbara Brown Photography
Huge elegant u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

A central island has 4 stools to sit for homework, art or snacktime, and houses drawers for each of the kids to drop their keys, with a USB charger for phones and iPads.

This house overlooking the Burrard inlet in Port Moody was re-created for homeowners who wished to stay for their love of the Cliffside location. The space is full of intrigue and inspiration for its artistic owners, with yet another piece of oceanic whimsy around each turn. Natural light floods the sitting area and dining room, spilling up into the kitchen of the split level greatroom space. A towering stone fireplace offsets the warm wood floor and white high gloss kitchen cabinets. The circular windows repeated throughout the home bring balance and a softened touch to the marine industry expression of the dark wooden post and beam structure. Downstairs media and games rooms provide space in this family home for everyone to find solace for something they enjoy… when they are not taking in the spectacular views from the home’s ocean facing patio.

Scott DuBose Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Kitchen - traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in DC Metro with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Ground view of deck. Outwardly visible structural elements are wrapped in pVC. Photo Credit: Johnna Harrison
Example of a large classic backyard outdoor kitchen deck design in DC Metro with a pergola

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Miami with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Innovative base with a 'stacked' appearance. Discretion and elegance, this table will satisfy all those, who look for a simplistic dining table with an eye catching base crafted by passionate designers.

Amy Lynne Vogel
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s light wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with green walls, no fireplace and no tv

Transitional porch idea in Atlanta

Inspired by 18th century french home furnishings. Our French Oak Grandeur Baluster Extension Dining Table is hand-crafted of solid oak and oak veneers with natural weathered oak Studio, or darker Brownstone finish. Rustic oak table top is supported by architecturally crafted turned baluster legs. Our Oak Extending Dining Table is perfectly scaled for any occasion, featuring a 20 inch extension that extends the table to a generous 98 inches. Creating a comfortable space for hosting large dinners. This extendable dining table makes a bold statement in any style home decor. Dimensions: 78-98W x 44D x 30H Hand-crafted of solid oak, and oak veneers Two available finishes Lighter Studio and Darker Brownstone Matching Side Chair, Host Chair, Shelf and Wine Cabinet also available. 20 inch leaf extends table to 98 inches Metal hardware Dust with a clean, dry cloth French country Furniture Inspired. Imported.

Julie Soefer
Kitchen - coastal kitchen idea in Houston with an island and colored appliances

For more information and products for this project, copy and paste this url into your browser. http://carlaaston.com/designed/before-after-bachelor-pad-70s?rq=bachelor%20pad / After images by Miro Dvorscak