Working within a set of constraints, whether of space or budget, challenges my creativity and leads to a beautiful end result. The old kitchen used the space very poorly. The intent was just to replace the countertop. But once we investigated, the inferior cabinets needed replacing, too, so a rethink of space usage created a small and stylish kitchen of lasting quality.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Snap Chic Photography
Photo of a large farmhouse full sun hillside stone landscaping in Austin with a fire pit.

Example of a small transitional u-shaped ceramic tile kitchen design in Charlotte with no island, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Rachel Reed Photography
Example of a small trendy 3/4 blue tile and glass tile porcelain tile alcove shower design in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Alcove shower - mid-sized transitional master multicolored tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor and blue floor alcove shower idea in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount tub, beige walls, an undermount sink and terrazzo countertops

This ski-in, ski-out condo features a strong Arts and Crafts influence. The interiors feature reclaimed oak floors, mortise-and-tenon carpentry, stone, and custom period details.

Kitchen - large modern ceramic tile kitchen idea in Chicago with medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a triple-bowl sink

Ian Roth Studios
Trendy staircase photo in Orlando

The upper level, steel grated stairs, have suspension wire railing, and are made of salvaged materials from the trade. This upper level bedroom will eventually be a children's playroom, but for the time being they are too little for this location. Industrial Loft Home, Seattle, WA. Belltown Design. Photography by Paula McHugh

The transparent silver shimmer transforms the yellowish OSB-structure in cool and glamorous rooms.

SieMatic's PURE design
Minimalist kitchen photo in DC Metro

Castle Rock Faux Iron Hinges
Tuscan two-car garage photo in Austin

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic enclosed dining room remodel in Indianapolis with red walls

BIN drawers come in many sizes that can be mixed and matched to create the perfect storage solution for any set of drawers or cabinets. Pictured here is the perfect solution for chopsticks.

Example of a mid-sized eclectic open concept carpeted living room design in Salt Lake City with white walls

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
Example of a transitional home design design in Boston

Richard Mandelkorn
Enclosed kitchen - large traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a transitional home design design in San Diego