Rebecca Zajac
Open concept kitchen - cottage l-shaped dark wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Las Vegas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Rob Karosis: Photographer
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Bridgeport with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Every culture has multiple ways of saying hello. Greetings are an essential, and important, human interaction. Smiles, handshakes, high fives, and hugs all convey welcome; but, as I tell our three boys, your choice of greeting, sends a greater message than just, “hi”. A firm handshake and eye contact says a lot about you and how you regard the other person. Homes greet us, too. A home’s entrance sends a message, whether formal like a handshake or warm like a hug, it greets guests and owners with the same message. A mudroom entrance might invite a guest into the heart of the home like an old friend, or a formal entry may give a guest pause to look around and gauge the home’s owner by the impression left on the guest. One of our Red House “clients for life” is a couple that bought a builder grade development home in RI. After taking care of some high priority functional & aesthetic remodeling (a new master bathroom and walk-in closet), the owners contacted Red House again to finally upgrade the front door & entry to the home. The original, a low-end entry door from a big box store, had finally reached the end of its’ usable life. It was leaking air and starting to rust. It didn’t live up to the aesthetic improvements the owners had made in other areas of the home, and, it no longer served its purpose to shelter and protect or to welcome and greet. After gauging the space, we realized that with a few minor adjustments to the entry area, we could add some paneling above the door and center a window feature in the foyer. These details created a elegant, yet warm, formality. A three-quarter glass door with a unique window patter provides warm light and an openness that creates the friendly invitation of a true home. The newly remodeled space speaks to the quality standards of the owners of the home, and, in turn, it will continue to inform the identity of the family while they live there. But more than that, the new entry foreshadows the quality and aesthetics of the other rooms in the house, just like a firm handshake and eye contact is a preview of what to expect. - Justin Zeller owns a design-build remodeling firm, Red House Custom Building, serving RI and MA. Besides being a Certified Remodeler, Justin has led the team at Red House to win multiple peer-reviewed awards for design and service achievements. Justin also sits on the Board of Directors and serves as Vice President of EM NARI. Photos by Aaron Usher Instagram: @redhousedesignbuild

The perfect farmhouse kitchen! Slate floors, marble countertops and white cabinets tell the story of great meals waiting to be created. The simple barstools and colorful accessories add the "sizzle" needed for the all important marketing photos! Photo by Marilyn Peryer

Fall weather brings out the variety of textures and colors in the landscape beds.
Inspiration for a huge mid-century modern partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Chicago for summer.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. 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

Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in Austin

Home theater featuring adjustable lounge seating and snack bar.
Example of a large transitional enclosed carpeted and black floor home theater design in Omaha with gray walls and a projector screen

Architect: Sarah Susanka, FAIA, while at Mulfinger, Susanka, Mahady & Partners; Photo by Ken Gutmaker
Closet - closet idea in Raleigh

The PLJW 120 is a low-profile, modern wall range hood. It can double as under cabinet hood too, making it incredibly versatile. This range hood is easy to use thanks to a sleek LCD touch panel in the front. Here you can adjust the blower speed, lights, and turn the hood off and on. The 900 CFM blower has more than enough power to handle everything you need in the kitchen, and it can adjust to four different speeds for ultimate flexibility! Finally, this hood speeds you up in the kitchen with two bright, long-lasting LED lights that help you see what you're doing while you cook. And there's no need to worry about cleaning once you've finished in the kitchen. Take a quick look under the hood and if your filters are gathering grease and dirt, remove them from your hood and place them into the dishwasher. Check out more specs of our PLJW 120 model below: 430 Stainless Steel LED Lights Power: 110v / 60 Hz Duct Size: 7 Sone: 7.5 Number of Lights: 2 - 3 depending on size Can it be recirculating/ductless? Yes You can browse more of these products by clicking on the link below. https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pljw%20120

The PLJW 120 is a low-profile, modern wall range hood. It can double as under cabinet hood too, making it incredibly versatile. This range hood is easy to use thanks to a sleek LCD touch panel in the front. Here you can adjust the blower speed, lights, and turn the hood off and on. The 900 CFM blower has more than enough power to handle everything you need in the kitchen, and it can adjust to four different speeds for ultimate flexibility! Finally, this hood speeds you up in the kitchen with two bright, long-lasting LED lights that help you see what you're doing while you cook. And there's no need to worry about cleaning once you've finished in the kitchen. Take a quick look under the hood and if your filters are gathering grease and dirt, remove them from your hood and place them into the dishwasher. Check out more specs of our PLJW 120 model below: 430 Stainless Steel LED Lights Power: 110v / 60 Hz Duct Size: 7 Sone: 7.5 Number of Lights: 2 - 3 depending on size Can it be recirculating/ductless? Yes You can browse more of these products by clicking on the link below. https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pljw%20120

In What Order Should You Renovate a Kitchen? Revolutionizing Kitchen and Bath Renovation with Allreno's Design AI Renovating a kitchen can be one of the most exciting and rewarding home improvement projects. However, with so many decisions to make, it can also be overwhelming. From selecting kitchen cabinets to choosing countertops and appliances, the process often involves careful planning and organization. So, how do you ensure the renovation goes smoothly? One important factor is knowing the right order in which to tackle the project. The Right Order for Kitchen Renovation Renovating a kitchen involves multiple steps, and knowing the proper order of operations is crucial for both time efficiency and cost savings. Here’s a general guideline for how to approach your kitchen renovation: 1. Planning and Design: The first step in any renovation is planning. This includes deciding on the layout, design, and features you want in your kitchen. At this stage, you’ll also need to think about your budget and timeline. It’s essential to finalize these details before moving forward with the actual work. 2. Demolition: Once the design is set, it’s time to remove old fixtures, cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Demolition can be a messy process, but it’s necessary for starting fresh. Having a professional handle this phase is often a smart move to ensure everything is safely removed. 3. Structural Work: If you plan on altering the layout of the kitchen by knocking down walls or adding new plumbing or electrical work, now is the time to do it. Structural changes can be complicated and costly, so it’s important to ensure these are completed before installing any new elements. 4. Plumbing and Electrical Work: With the structure in place, you can begin installing plumbing and electrical systems. This might include adding new water lines, sinks, or electrical outlets for appliances. It’s best to bring in licensed professionals for this stage, as electrical and plumbing work requires expert knowledge. 5. Cabinet Installation: Once the plumbing and electrical work are in place, you can install the kitchen cabinets. Cabinets are one of the most important elements of the kitchen, and the Allreno design AI can make this process easier. Allreno's AI-driven platform allows you to visualize how different kitchen cabinets will fit into your space, ensuring you make the best choice based on your preferences and layout. 6. Countertops: After the cabinets are installed, it’s time to add countertops. Whether you choose granite, quartz, or a more budget-friendly option, countertops are a focal point of the kitchen, and they should complement the cabinets and other design elements. 7. Flooring: Now that the major structural elements are in place, it’s time to install your flooring. Whether you opt for tile, hardwood, or vinyl, flooring should be installed after the cabinets and countertops to prevent any damage during the installation process. 8. Appliances and Fixtures: With the foundation in place, you can now add your appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) and fixtures (sink, faucets, lighting). Allreno’s AI can also help here by offering kitchen design recommendations based on available appliances and space dimensions. 9. Final Touches: The last step is adding the finishing touches to your kitchen. This includes painting the walls, adding backsplash tiles, and installing accessories like handles and knobs on your cabinets. This is also the stage where you can implement any stylistic choices to make the space uniquely yours. How Allreno's AI Transforms the Renovation Process One of the biggest challenges of a kitchen renovation is visualizing how everything will come together. Allreno’s design AI changes that by offering an intuitive platform that brings your ideas to life. Here’s how: • Personalized Design Recommendations: Allreno’s AI suggests design elements based on your preferences, style, and space dimensions. Whether it’s selecting the perfect kitchen cabinets or countertop finishes, the AI ensures everything works together cohesively. • 3D Visualization: With Allreno’s AI-driven design tools, you can visualize your kitchen layout in 3D before any work begins. This allows you to see how different elements will fit into your space and make adjustments as needed. • Efficient Project Management: Allreno helps you streamline the entire renovation process by generating accurate material lists, estimates, and timelines. This means you can avoid costly errors and keep your renovation on track. Conclusion Renovating a kitchen is an exciting project, but it requires careful planning and organization to ensure it’s done right. By following a strategic order of operations and leveraging cutting-edge technology like Allreno’s design AI, homeowners can streamline the process, save time and money, and bring their dream kitchen to life with ease. Allreno not only simplifies the design process but also provides innovative solutions that make kitchen and bath renovations faster and more efficient than ever before. Ready to get started with your kitchen renovation? Allreno's AI-powered design platform is here to help you every step of the way.

There are several advantages for homeowners to see 3D renderings of their pool outdoor projects before construction begins. Here are some of the key benefits: Visualization: 3D renderings provide homeowners with a realistic visualization of their pool design. They can see how the design will look in their outdoor space from various angles, which helps them make informed decisions about the design. Design Changes: If homeowners want to make changes to the pool design, 3D renderings make it easy to see how those changes will look in the final product. They can make adjustments to the design and see the results in real time, which saves time and money in the long run. Cost-Efficiency: 3D renderings can help homeowners save money on their pool projects. They can make design changes before construction begins, which can prevent costly mistakes and delays. Planning: 3D renderings allow homeowners to plan their outdoor space more efficiently. They can see how the pool design interacts with their landscaping, patio, and other outdoor features. This helps them plan the layout of their outdoor space and make informed decisions about other outdoor features. Peace of Mind: 3D renderings provide homeowners with peace of mind. They can see the final product before construction begins, which reduces stress and anxiety about the project.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

Pre-delivery and final dusting off. Tansu in Bubinga with adjustable shelves for shoe storage. Ebony inset pulls.
Inspiration for an entryway remodel in San Francisco

There are several advantages for homeowners to see 3D renderings of their pool outdoor projects before construction begins. Here are some of the key benefits: Visualization: 3D renderings provide homeowners with a realistic visualization of their pool design. They can see how the design will look in their outdoor space from various angles, which helps them make informed decisions about the design. Design Changes: If homeowners want to make changes to the pool design, 3D renderings make it easy to see how those changes will look in the final product. They can make adjustments to the design and see the results in real time, which saves time and money in the long run. Cost-Efficiency: 3D renderings can help homeowners save money on their pool projects. They can make design changes before construction begins, which can prevent costly mistakes and delays. Planning: 3D renderings allow homeowners to plan their outdoor space more efficiently. They can see how the pool design interacts with their landscaping, patio, and other outdoor features. This helps them plan the layout of their outdoor space and make informed decisions about other outdoor features. Peace of Mind: 3D renderings provide homeowners with peace of mind. They can see the final product before construction begins, which reduces stress and anxiety about the project.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

There are several advantages for homeowners to see 3D renderings of their pool outdoor projects before construction begins. Here are some of the key benefits: Visualization: 3D renderings provide homeowners with a realistic visualization of their pool design. They can see how the design will look in their outdoor space from various angles, which helps them make informed decisions about the design. Design Changes: If homeowners want to make changes to the pool design, 3D renderings make it easy to see how those changes will look in the final product. They can make adjustments to the design and see the results in real time, which saves time and money in the long run. Cost-Efficiency: 3D renderings can help homeowners save money on their pool projects. They can make design changes before construction begins, which can prevent costly mistakes and delays. Planning: 3D renderings allow homeowners to plan their outdoor space more efficiently. They can see how the pool design interacts with their landscaping, patio, and other outdoor features. This helps them plan the layout of their outdoor space and make informed decisions about other outdoor features. Peace of Mind: 3D renderings provide homeowners with peace of mind. They can see the final product before construction begins, which reduces stress and anxiety about the project.

The perfect match & fit to this clients space for the Home Office. The closed door storage below had a combination of file drawer, slide-outs for a printer & paper shredder, lockable storage, adjustable shelving and an integrated power plug in the desk drawer. The dual monitors swivel on their mounts on the wall. The open shelving is adjustable as well. Fluted casing on the tall uppers, the subtle arch and the table posts integrated into the design below add the final personal touches. Although the stain was very dark, their choice of White Oak material allowed the natural beauty of the grain to show through. Very elegant piece!