Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW A tired primary bathroom, with varying ceiling heights and a beige-on-beige color scheme, was screaming for love. Squaring the room and adding natural materials erased the memory of the lack luster space and converted it to a bright and welcoming spa oasis. The home was a new build in 2005 and it looked like all the builder’s material choices remained. The client was clear on their design direction but were challenged by the differing ceiling heights and were looking to hire a design-build firm that could resolve that issue. This local Glen Ellyn couple found us on Instagram (@kitchenstudioge, follow us ?). They loved our designs and felt like we fit their style. They requested a full primary bath renovation to include a large shower, soaking tub, double vanity with storage options, and heated floors. The wife also really wanted a separate make-up vanity. The biggest challenge presented to us was to architecturally marry the various ceiling heights and deliver a streamlined design. The existing layout worked well for the couple, so we kept everything in place, except we enlarged the shower and replaced the built-in tub with a lovely free-standing model. We also added a sitting make-up vanity. We were able to eliminate the awkward ceiling lines by extending all the walls to the highest level. Then, to accommodate the sprinklers and HVAC, lowered the ceiling height over the entrance and shower area which then opens to the 2-story vanity and tub area. Very dramatic! This high-end home deserved high-end fixtures. The homeowners also quickly realized they loved the look of natural marble and wanted to use as much of it as possible in their new bath. They chose a marble slab from the stone yard for the countertops and back splash, and we found complimentary marble tile for the shower. The homeowners also liked the idea of mixing metals in their new posh bathroom and loved the look of black, gold, and chrome. Although our clients were very clear on their style, they were having a difficult time pulling it all together and envisioning the final product. As interior designers it is our job to translate and elevate our clients’ ideas into a deliverable design. We presented the homeowners with mood boards and 3D renderings of our modern, clean, white marble design. Since the color scheme was relatively neutral, at the homeowner’s request, we decided to add of interest with the patterns and shapes in the room. We were first inspired by the shower floor tile with its circular/linear motif. We designed the cabinetry, floor and wall tiles, mirrors, cabinet pulls, and wainscoting to have a square or rectangular shape, and then to create interest we added perfectly placed circles to contrast with the rectangular shapes. The globe shaped chandelier against the square wall trim is a delightful yet subtle juxtaposition. The clients were overjoyed with our interpretation of their vision and impressed with the level of detail we brought to the project. It’s one thing to know how you want a space to look, but it takes a special set of skills to create the design and see it thorough to implementation. Could hiring The Kitchen Studio be the first step to making your home dreams come to life?

200 year-old Mesquite doors framed with Cor-Ten steel form the entry to the house courtyard.
Photo of a southwestern full sun landscaping in Los Angeles.

Master Bathroom
Huge elegant master gray tile and ceramic tile marble floor freestanding bathtub photo in Grand Rapids

The remodeling company business owners had been so busy designing and building other people's homes that they never had the time to focus on their own house. However, after years of putting it off, they finally decided to remodel their home space, starting with building an office for themselves. The result was a beautiful and functional space that exceeded their expectations. The office features lots of cabinetry in bright white, providing much-needed storage space for their work materials. The warm wood accents and black and white palette add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space, while the abundance of natural light makes it a bright and welcoming space to work in. Overall, the new home office is a pleasure to work in, and the business owners are thrilled to finally have a space that is not only practical but also aesthetically

Elegant home design photo in New York

Elegant beige two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Atlanta

Architectural by David Stocker, AIA; Design Team: Enrique Montenegro, AIA, Kevin Pauzer{Photo by Nathan Schroder Photography}
Inspiration for a contemporary rectangular pool remodel in Dallas

Shelly Miller Leer
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Indianapolis

When we started this project, opening up the kitchen to the surrounding space was not an option. Instead, the 10-foot ceilings gave us an opportunity to create a glamorous room with all of the amenities of an open floor plan. The beautiful sunny breakfast nook and adjacent formal dining offer plenty of seats for family and guests in this modern home. Our clients, none the less, love to sit at their new island for breakfast, keeping each other company while cooking, reading a new recipe or simply taking a well-deserved coffee break. The gorgeous custom cabinetry is a combination of horizontal grain walnut base and tall cabinets with glossy white upper cabinets that create an open feeling all the way up the walls. Caesarstone countertops and backsplash join together for a nearly seamless transition. The Subzero and Thermador appliances match the quality of the home and the cooks themselves! Finally, the heated natural limestone floors keep this room welcoming all year long. Alicia Gbur Photography

ullivan's Island Home Renovation by Diament Builder Interior Design by Amy Trowman Design, Charleston, SC
Inspiration for a coastal eat-in kitchen remodel in Charleston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances

Photo by Ronda Batchelor Old door turned laundry room door. Barn door style.
Inspiration for a coastal laundry room remodel in Salt Lake City

Karen Cole
Patio kitchen - farmhouse patio kitchen idea in Philadelphia

Example of a large classic backyard stone patio container garden design in New York with no cover

Anastasia Alkema
Example of a transitional gray floor freestanding bathtub design in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls and gray countertops

The idea for Scandinavian Hardwoods came after years of countless conversations with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. The consistent theme: they wanted more than just a beautiful floor. They wanted insight into manufacturing locations (not just the seller or importer) and what materials are used and why. They wanted to understand the product’s environmental impact and it’s effect on indoor air quality and human health. They wanted a compelling story to tell guests about the beautiful floor they’ve chosen. At Scandinavian Hardwoods, we bring all of these elements together while making luxury more accessible.

Michael J. Lee Photography
Transitional medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Boston with beige walls

Terry Scholl Photography
Small arts and crafts medium tone wood floor and brown floor front door photo in Philadelphia with beige walls and a red front door

Hideaway, Le Marche - San Marino, Italy A historical Hideaway. Image courtesy on the realtor, Leo Trippi. A well-hidden place where the spirit finds its peace, nested between the Romagna, the Marches and Tuscany. Entering the gate, one leaves behind the pace of chaotic lives, and abandons itself to the joy of living of this ancient land. It is meant to be understood as a site of experience, where nature, culture, history and pleasure are elevated to the centre of things in order to finally rediscover it in oneself. A sort of “back to the simplicity”, aiming to dedicate oneself to observation and drawing from it valuable experiences for one’s life. Each of the three houses presents itself as an unexpected world in its own right, closed in on itself and yet a harmonious part of the whole, waiting to be enlivened by lively laughter, animated conversation and playfulness. This territory is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The sheer variety of places and landscapes enables visitors to take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. History and architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary of strongholds and castles dotted around the area. Lovers of gourmet food will discover a full range of traditional dishes and quality local produce all year round. The rich variety of regional museums enables exploration into the rural arts, medieval architecture, archaeological finds and contemporary art.

Patio - contemporary backyard concrete patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover