Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Example of a large classic formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in New York with blue walls

Designed by Ed Nunes Photography by Nat Rea
Inspiration for a large timeless master ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Providence with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray walls and an undermount sink

Custom planned home By Sweetlake Interior Design Houston Texas.
Living room - huge mid-century modern formal and open concept light wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling living room idea in Houston with a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Bespoke chandeliers were an inspired collaboration with Swarovski, as their crystals convey sophistication and elegance.
Huge trendy open concept and formal medium tone wood floor living room photo in New York with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Brown Jordan Furniture and Eco-smart fire pit an amazing living wall by Plantscapers
Example of a tuscan patio design in Orange County with a fire pit and no cover

Paul Johnson Photography
Hallway - traditional hallway idea in New York

This formal water feature ties in with the masonry seating wall and the large paver patio.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard concrete paver pond in Denver with a pergola for fall.

Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in London with white walls

David Steinbrunner, photographer.
Example of a large classic ceramic tile and beige floor sunroom design in Cincinnati with a skylight and no fireplace

Living room - mediterranean formal and open concept living room idea in San Diego with white walls and a standard fireplace

Justin Krug Photography
Enclosed dining room - large cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Portland with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Example of a transitional living room design in Toronto

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed and formal light wood floor living room remodel in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Casey Dunn Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional light wood floor kitchen remodel in Houston with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

A formal staircase takes you to the top floor. The entry draws you into the formal living room beyond the paneled archway photo: Trevor Jobson
Entryway - entryway idea in Sacramento

Large trendy carpeted living room photo in New York with white walls

The kitchen isn't the only room worthy of delicious design... and so when these clients saw THEIR personal style come to life in the kitchen, they decided to go all in and put the Maine Coast construction team in charge of building out their vision for the home in its entirety. Talent at its best -- with tastes of this client, we simply had the privilege of doing the easy part -- building their dream home!

While the owners are away the designers will play! This Bellevue craftsman stunner went through a large remodel while its occupants were living in Europe. Almost every room in the home was touched to give it the beautiful update it deserved. A vibrant yellow front door mixed with a few farmhouse touches on the exterior provide a casual yet upscale feel. From the craftsman style millwork seen through out, to the carefully selected finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms, to a dreamy backyard retreat, it is clear from the moment you walk through the door not a design detail was missed. Being a busy family, the clients requested a great room fit for entertaining. A breakfast nook off the kitchen with upholstered chairs and bench cushions provides a cozy corner with a lot of seating - a perfect spot for a "kids" table so the adults can wine and dine in the formal dining room. Pops of blue and yellow brighten the neutral palette and create a playful environment for a sophisticated space. Painted cabinets in the office, floral wallpaper in the powder bathroom, a swing in one of the daughter's rooms, and a hidden cabinet in the pantry only the adults know about are a few of the elements curated to create the customized home my clients were looking for.