Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

The materials used for this space include white washed brushed oak, taj mahal granite, custom shaker style cabinets, original pine ceiling, slate backsplash, slate & metal mosiac at the island, a custom cast concrete sink, and a Wolf range. | While the flow of the kitchen worked for the family, the focus was on updating the look and feel. The old cabinets were replaced with new shaker-style custom cabinets painted in a soothing grey, to compliment the new white-washed, brushed oak floor. Taj Mahal granite counter tops replaced the old dark ones. The refrigerator was replaced with a wider 48” Sub-Zero. The built-in pantry in the kitchen was replaced, with pull-out shelving specific to the family’s food storage needs. A 48” dual fuel Wolf range replaced the outdated cooktop and oven. The tones of the new slate backsplash and slate and metal mosaic on the face of the island created cohesion between the pine hues of the remaining original ceiling and the new white-washed floor. Task and under bar lighting also brightened the space. The kitchen is finished out with a unique concrete apron sink. Capitalizing on the natural light from the existing skylight and glass doors, the upgraded finishes in the kitchen and living area brightened the space and gave it an up-to-date feel. | Photos by Tre Dunham

Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Orange County

Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Farmhouse brick floor kitchen pantry photo in Houston with open cabinets and beige cabinets

Emily Followill
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with an undermount sink, white cabinets, stone slab backsplash, recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, paneled appliances, white countertops and no island

Boston Home Magazine
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Los Angeles

NEW Viking Gas Cooktops | Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Designed to fit virtually any existing cutout, Viking Professional Gas Cooktops offer a hassle-free kitchen upgrade with superior cooking power. These surface units strategically deliver all the power you could want from your cooktop, giving you the freedom to not only cook whatever you like, but however you like. To learn more about NEW Viking Gas Cooktops stop by Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in Studio City and Calabasas. BUILT-IN GAS COOKTOP FEATURES Commercial-Type Cooking Power - Highest combined BTU rating in the industry, featuring sealed burners with brass burner rings in a wide variety of sizes - Powerful 18,000 BTU burner delivers commercial power for high heat sautéing, rapid boiling and quick recovery - Simmer settings on all burners allows low BTU output for heating delicate sauces - EXCLUSIVE SureSpark™ Ignition System ensures automatic ignition/re-ignition should flame extinguish at any time while cooking Easy Maintenance and Cleanup - Permanently sealed burners prevent spills from entering burner box - Deep, seamless recessed burner pan retains liquid spills - Updated beveled edge design provides sleek styling and easy cleaning - Durable laser-etched graphics withstand the rigors of regular cleaning - Removable knobs, grates, and burner ports/caps make cleanup easy Safe-Easy Operation - Child proof, push-to-turn metal knobs for safe use - Automatic electric spark ignition means no standing pilot to re-light, waste energy or add extra heat to the kitchen - EXCLUSIVE ScratchSafe™ Grate Design provides ultimate protection from scratches and ensures proper placement of the heavy-duty, porcelain-coated cast iron grates Optional Accessories - Porcelain-coated cast iron wok ring fits securely over grates to accommodate a traditional wok - Portable non-stick cast aluminum griddle fits securely onto grates for griddling or defrosting food The Industry’s Best and Most Comprehensive Warranty - 3-year full – complete product - 90-day full - cosmetic parts such as glass, painted items and decorative items - Lifetime limited - stainless steel exterior - 5-year limited - surface burners

Basement bars are a great way to add additional space for entertaining. And this one does the trick with Merillat Classic Ralston 5-piece Maple Dusk with contrasting white glass tile backsplash. The stainless apron sink, wood beams, wood bar stools and Edison lights give this space a rustic feel. Big Screen TV above sink and plenty of counter space for food and beverages make this space a daily spot to pull up a seat and unwind. Photography by Beth Singer.

Chip Riegel www.chipriegel.com
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Providence with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic dining room photo in Dallas with beige walls

James Stewart
Small trendy porcelain tile open concept kitchen photo in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash and an island

Perfect for a family of 6 (including the 2 large labs), this spacious laundry room/mud room has a plenty of storage so that laundry supplies, kids shoes and backpacks and pet food can be neatly tucked away. The style is a continuation of t he adjacent kitchen which is a luxurious industrial/farmhouse mix of elements such as complimentary woods, steel and top of the line appliances. Photography by Fred Donham of PhotographyLink

Redolent of Cape Cod and other seaside locales, the pool house is appointed with relaxed furnishings — slip-covered sofas, rugged tables and sturdy, natural fiber area rugs. In keeping with the industrial/modern look, a Gregorios Pineo chandelier and Jamie Young Steampunk floor lamp illuminate the interiors. Cleverly concealing the entertainment center when not in use, a sliding barn door, created from reclaimed lumber from a farm in Oregon, gives the structure a rustic, relaxed feel. It’s become the family’s hangout of choice since completion. A small galley kitchen, covered in Ann Sacks tile and custom shelves, serves as wet bar and food prep area for the family and their guests for frequent pool parties. Vinyl covered walls in the powder room protects from moisture—and kid paws—and lends a beach-y, sandstone texture to the room. Polished concrete flooring carries out to the pool deck connecting the spaces, including a cozy sitting area flanked by a board form concrete fireplace, and appointed with comfortable couches for relaxation long after dark. Poolside chaises provide multiple options for lounging and sunbathing, and expansive Nano doors poolside open the entire structure to complete the indoor/outdoor objective. Photo Credit Kerry Hamilton

Inspiration for a coastal u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

Matte black kitchen counters made of Honed Petit Granite and a blackened steel backsplash provide a sleek low-maintenance space for food preparation. Dan Arnold Photo

Emily Followill
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Redolent of Cape Cod and other seaside locales, the pool house is appointed with relaxed furnishings — slip-covered sofas, rugged tables and sturdy, natural fiber area rugs. In keeping with the industrial/modern look, a Gregorios Pineo chandelier and Jamie Young Steampunk floor lamp illuminate the interiors. Cleverly concealing the entertainment center when not in use, a sliding barn door, created from reclaimed lumber from a farm in Oregon, gives the structure a rustic, relaxed feel. It’s become the family’s hangout of choice since completion. A small galley kitchen, covered in Ann Sacks tile and custom shelves, serves as wet bar and food prep area for the family and their guests for frequent pool parties. Vinyl covered walls in the powder room protects from moisture—and kid paws—and lends a beach-y, sandstone texture to the room. Polished concrete flooring carries out to the pool deck connecting the spaces, including a cozy sitting area flanked by a board form concrete fireplace, and appointed with comfortable couches for relaxation long after dark. Poolside chaises provide multiple options for lounging and sunbathing, and expansive Nano doors poolside open the entire structure to complete the indoor/outdoor objective. Photo Credit: Kerry Hamilton