Renovating a kitchen in an old house the challenge is always space. This was solved in this case by adding an addition for a bay window and recessed the clean up sink into the space. The window was raised by 10” over the standard height in order to increase natural light. The refrigerator wall was pushed 24” into the adjacent space which created the proper spacing for island and walkways, as well as centering the island on the adjacent dining room. Ample space and symmetry were achieved through this renovation. Richly hued traditional kitchen achieved through warm wood custom cabinetry and multiple levels of light. Under cabinet down lighting as well as recessed task lighting and stepped up ceiling with up lighting all combine to give warm and vibrancy to this historic home. A large center island provides prep space and seating while a bank of natural windows at the sink wall gives ample natural light.

Vaulted ceilings allow for a two-story great room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer plenty of natural light and a 50-inch fireplace keeps the space cozy.

Liz Nemeth photography
Mid-sized beach style medium tone wood floor great room photo in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

For this project, the customer envisioned enhancing their kitchen, creating a seamless connection to the living and dining areas, which had been raised. We presented options for the addition, showcasing designs that married simplicity with elegance. The first options featured straightforward roofing solutions, while the final design embraced the home's curves, incorporating the graceful rounded windows, entryway, and chimney. We crafted the addition with a stunning barrel ceiling adorned with rich walnut wood paneling and accent lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. After careful consideration, the clients chose the more intricate design, perfectly complementing their home's aesthetic. To elevate the space, we added a round window and an arched window in the kitchen, enhancing its character. In the living area, they selected a Nana Wall door, allowing for a harmonious flow between indoors and the outdoor entertainment space. The kitchen showcases exquisite walnut cabinets, accented with white painted cabinets in a sleek shallow shaker style. The 2cm Dekton countertops & backsplash were designed with an island height of 2 1/4 inches, creating a more dynamic space. As passionate cooks and bakers, the clients chose Wolf and SubZero appliances, panel-ready to harmonize beautifully with their kitchen design. This project turned out breathtakingly, and the clients are overjoyed to possess a kitchen that embodies beauty and functionality, exceeding their dreams and aspirations.

Inspiration for a large transitional dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio remodel in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a roof extension

Pete Sieger
Inspiration for a large industrial single-wall concrete floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island, a double-bowl sink, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances

Sarah Dorio
Example of a beach style dark wood floor powder room design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, white walls, shaker cabinets and white countertops

This inviting master bath is part of a master suite built by Seven Custom Homes in Spicewood, Texas. The interior design work was done by Jeannie Balsam LLC and the lighting design was done by Cathy Shockey with Legend Lighting, Photography by Twist Tours

Living Room of the Beautiful New Encino Construction which included the installation of the angled ceiling, black window trim, wall painting, fireplace, clerestory windows, pendant lighting, light hardwood flooring and living room furnitures.

Transitional master white tile and marble tile marble floor drop-in bathtub photo in Indianapolis

Jeff Dow Photography A primary request of the homeowner was for a light and bright kitchen with a large window to take advantage of the beautiful view into the back yard. Mission accomplished! The kitchen was moved from its original location and a large island with a furniture look was constructed using salvaged wood for the countertop.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The opening to the left of the server leads to the Kitchen. Photo by Glen Grayson, AIA
Example of an arts and crafts medium tone wood floor dining room design in New York with beige walls

Design by The Sunset Team in Los Angeles, CA
Example of a huge trendy light wood floor great room design in Los Angeles with white walls

Located in one of the Ritz residential towers in Boston, the project was a complete renovation. The design and scope of work included the entire residence from marble flooring throughout, to movement of walls, new kitchen, bathrooms, all furnishings, lighting, closets, artwork and accessories. Smart home sound and wifi integration throughout including concealed electronic window treatments. The challenge for the final project design was multifaceted. First and foremost to maintain a light, sheer appearance in the main open areas, while having a considerable amount of seating for living, dining and entertaining purposes. All the while giving an inviting peaceful feel, and never interfering with the view which was of course the piece de resistance throughout. Bringing a unique, individual feeling to each of the private rooms to surprise and stimulate the eye while navigating through the residence was also a priority and great pleasure to work on, while incorporating small details within each room to bind the flow from area to area which would not be necessarily obvious to the eye, but palpable in our minds in a very suttle manner. The combination of luxurious textures throughout brought a third dimension into the environments, and one of the many aspects that made the project so exceptionally unique, and a true pleasure to have created. Reach us www.themorsoncollection.com Photography by Elevin Studio.

Robert Clark
Living room - traditional open concept living room idea in Other with blue walls

Photo: Mark Weinberg Interiors: Ann Tempest
Danish light wood floor dining room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls

We created the light shaft above the island, which allows light in through two new round windows. These openings used to be attic vents. The beams are reclaimed lumber. Lighting and pulls are from Rejuvenation.