This busy family needed to update their first floor powder room as it was near the main entry and frequently viewed/used by guests. We replaced the vanity with a white oak piece from Restoration Hardware, and added brass plumbing hardware, lights, and brass mirror to warm up the space. The wallpaper is a navy floral with soft neutral vines/birds and makes a striking impression!

The homeowners of this California Cottage wanted a beach vibe in their 1700 sq. ft. home. They wanted to make the most of their spaces by widening doorways, adding wood floors throughout the house, and adding a skylight. The result is cozy, casual California living at its best with frequent family dinners and celebrations with friends. Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Because of its convenient location and outdoor living feel, a patio is often seen as an extension of our indoor living space. Whether it's made of stone, brick or concrete, this paved spot is frequently the life of the party, especially when you add a grill, fire pit or fireplace. With an outdoor kitchen and dining set, it can become your favorite eating spot, while an abundance of patio furniture and colorful decor turns it into the perfect sunny lounge.

With this home remodel, we removed the roof and added a full story with dormers above the existing two story home we had previously remodeled (kitchen, backyard extension, basement rework and all new windows.) All previously remodeled surfaces (and existing trees!) were carefully preserved despite the extensive work; original historic cedar shingling was extended, keeping the original craftsman feel of the home. Neighbors frequently swing by to thank the homeowners for so graciously expanding their home without altering its character. Photo: Miranda Estes

This kitchen was designed for a music studio. The client wanted something cool, contemporary and grey. The microwave is hidden in a cabinet on the far left. It has a Blum Aventos lift door. Floating shelves in the center break up the space and is a perfect spot to show off awards or put items frequently used by guests.

Historical Renovation Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this way”. Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area. A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family. Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family. A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to further complement the outdoors and their love of nature. Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering spot.

This clean and open kitchen space features white painted shaker cabinets with engineered carrera quartz countertops and luxury vinyl tile is easy care and expansive for an active cook and a family that entertains frequently. The over-sized grey-blue glass subway tile and pale blue dining room paint adds a modern and airy touch.

A double seating space is perfect for the client's frequent family get-togethers!
Example of a transitional living room design in Las Vegas

This grand formal library was outfitted with walnut paneling & built-in bookshelves to display the client's extensive antique book collection. Taylor Architectural Photography

  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

This commercially-sized kitchen is perfect for cooking for large groups that frequent the log lodge. It contains two cooktops two sinks, and plenty of storage space. Produced By: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes. Photo Credit: Hilliard Photographics

John Cole Photography
Inspiration for a modern shed remodel in DC Metro

As the couple travels frequently, we added some homey comforts, like a deep shag rug in their bedroom. Individual channel-tufted panels of ivory vegan leather on the master bedroom’s headboard wall, bring a sophisticated feature to this room’s design. The custom Vanguard bed incorporates upholstered side rails made of the same vegan leather.

The mixer lift is wonderful for bakers!
Large elegant l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Bridgeport with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Moving the wall cabinets up to the ceiling with no top trim creates a crisp line in this modern kitchen. Having the floating shelves below allow for items that are used frequently to be stored and become easier to access than they would be if they were behind a cabinet door. Photo: Erica Weaver

Our clients enjoy preparing home cooked meals and baking frequently. Their goal was to create a bright, traffic free space that eliminated collisions and made meal preparation a more pleasurable experience. We also helped them to eliminate counter clutter by adding extra storage throughout.

Historical Renovation Objective: The homeowners asked us to join the project after partial demo and construction was in full swing. Their desire was to significantly enlarge and update the charming mid-century modern home to meet the needs of their joined families and frequent social gatherings. It was critical though that the expansion be seamless between old and new, where one feels as if the home “has always been this way”. Solution: We created spaces within rooms that allowed family to gather and socialize freely or allow for private conversations. As constant entertainers, the couple wanted easier access to their favorite wines than having to go to the basement cellar. A custom glass and stainless steel wine cellar was created where bottles seem to float in the space between the dining room and kitchen area. A nineteen foot long island dominates the great room as well as any social gathering where it is generally spread from end to end with food and surrounded by friends and family. Aside of the master suite, three oversized bedrooms each with a large en suite bath provide plenty of space for kids returning from college and frequent visits from friends and family. A neutral color palette was chosen throughout to bring warmth into the space but not fight with the clients’ collections of art, antique rugs and furnishings. Soaring ceiling, windows and huge sliding doors bring the naturalness of the large wooded lot inside while lots of natural wood and stone was used to further complement the outdoors and their love of nature. Outside, a large ground level fire-pit surrounded by comfortable chairs is another favorite gathering spot.

We took a compact closed in space and created this light and airy workhorse, still compact, but not closed in! Maximizing the space, we attached high island cabinets carefully calculated to allow our 6'4" homeowner to have an unobstructed view, but still reach items used less frequently. The baking station is lower at 30"h which is not only standard for baking stations, but necessary for the 5'3" mom.

The tranquil views across the green space are no doubt enjoyed by the gentleman of the house, a retired businessman who is now a professional artist. His biography states that much of his work is inspired by nature, so it’s safe to assume this view is frequently enjoyed over a morning coffee.