An open concept custom kitchen lives large but the strategic placement of appliances creates a convenient and compact work zone. This distinctly divided yet beautifully merged Glen Ellyn, IL kitchen takes the classic white to another level. The clean lines of the flat panel white cabinetry and polished design are easy on the eyes, complemented by the earth tones found in the subway tile, pendant lighting over the island, and soft seating. This large family can enjoy multiple seating areas, around the island, and at a dedicated space showcasing their impressive farm table. More then ample accessible storage provides enough places to hide any pots, pans and small appliances, while not sacrificing the views and natural light. The midpoint integrated built in Thermador Refrigerator serves as the anchor of the kitchen. Prep areas include miles of quartz counters along with a small but practically placed island sink. The warmth and comfort in this dream kitchen highlights design trends while also fulfilling the client’s request for a kitchen with a family focus.

These young hip professional clients love to travel and wanted a home where they could showcase the items that they've collected abroad. Their fun and vibrant personalities are expressed in every inch of the space, which was personalized down to the smallest details. Just like they are up for adventure in life, they were up for for adventure in the design and the outcome was truly one-of-kind. Photos by Chipper Hatter

To replace an Old World style kitchen, we created a new space with farmhouse elements coupled with our interpretation of modern European detailing. With our focus on improving function first, we removed the old peninsula that closed off the kitchen, creating a location for conversation and eating on the new cantilevered countertop which provides interesting, yet purposeful design. A custom designed European cube shelf system was created, incorporating integrated lighting inside Rift Sawn oak shelves to match our base cabinetry. After building the shelf system, we placed it in front of the handmade art tile backsplash, bringing a very modern element to contrast with our custom inset cabinetry. Our design team selected the Rift sawn oak for the base cabinets to bring warmth into the space and to contrast with the white upper cabinetry. We then layered matt black on select drawer fronts and specific cabinet interiors for a truly custom modern edge. Custom pull outs and interior organizers fulfill our desire for a kitchen that functions first and foremost, while our custom cabinetry and complete design satisfies our homeowners’ desire for wow. Farmhouse style will never be the same.

Transitional home office photo in Boston

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.

Design ideas for a traditional brick landscaping in Boston.

Overlooking of the surrounding meadows of the historic C Lazy U Ranch, this single family residence was carefully sited on a sloping site to maximize spectacular views of Willow Creek Resevoir and the Indian Peaks mountain range. The project was designed to fulfill budgetary and time frame constraints while addressing the client’s goal of creating a home that would become the backdrop for a very active and growing family for generations to come. In terms of style, the owners were drawn to more traditional materials and intimate spaces of associated with a cabin scale structure.

The client’s coastal New England roots inspired this Shingle style design for a lakefront lot. With a background in interior design, her ideas strongly influenced the process, presenting both challenge and reward in executing her exact vision. Vintage coastal style grounds a thoroughly modern open floor plan, designed to house a busy family with three active children. A primary focus was the kitchen, and more importantly, the butler’s pantry tucked behind it. Flowing logically from the garage entry and mudroom, and with two access points from the main kitchen, it fulfills the utilitarian functions of storage and prep, leaving the main kitchen free to shine as an integral part of the open living area. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

Initially, this 1800 square foot space was completely unfinished with concrete walls. The clients hoped to use this enormous space to fulfill a variety of functions. After the remodel this previously unfinished space contained a perfect entertaining area with a full bar, home theatre, and large living space; a full bathroom with an electrical warming towel warmers; a workout space somewhat separated from the rest of the basement; and a bedroom with a built in window seats and closets with custom shelving. The basement was trimmed out with columns and woodwork to match the existing woodwork in the home so that it appeared as if the remodel took place when the home was built.

The kitchen was at the top of the list for a total overhaul – the worn oak cabinets, dated appliances, and clunky layout all had to go. Removing the decorative soffits allowed us to take the new cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, adding functional storage and visually extending the room’s height. We reconfigured the layout from a modified U to an L-shape which accomplished several things – it opened up the kitchen to the dining room, redirected circulation, and most importantly, created space for an island. A brand new pantry was created for overflow food storage, bulk items, occasional dishware and small appliances, ensuring that our client’s goal of uncluttered countertops was achievable. The finish selections and clean lines give a nod to the home’s mid-century bones. The wood island provides warmth and the light quartz countertops, textured backsplash and white cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and bright. We opted to install open shelving above the sink which provides display space and needed storage without the bulkiness of an overhead cabinet. The matte black faucet, hardware and decorative pendants add another level of visual interest to the modern kitchen. To unify the kitchen and dining room, we replaced the drab kitchen flooring with select red oak hardwoods that were expertly installed and refinished to match the gorgeous wood flooring throughout the home.

The primary challenge in updating this traditional kitchen: save the multi colored hand painted ceramic tile backsplash original to the early 1980s construction. Nick King Photography

The master bath showcases the same riff sawn oad cabinets with lipless walk in shower.
Mid-sized trendy master gray tile and ceramic tile cement tile floor and gray floor drop-in bathtub photo in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and light wood cabinets

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic kitchen design in Seattle

Large mountain style u-shaped brick floor eat-in kitchen photo in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Our NYC studio designed this gorgeous condo for a family of four with the goal of maximizing space in a modest amount of square footage. A custom sectional in the living room was created to accommodate the family without feeling overcrowded, while the son's bedroom features a custom Murphy bed to optimize space during the day. To fulfill the daughter's wish for fairy lighting, an entire wall of them was installed behind her bed, casting a beautiful glow at night. In the kitchen, we added plenty of cabinets below the island for maximum efficiency. Storage units were incorporated in the bedroom and living room to house the TV and showcase decorative items. Additionally, the tub in the powder room was removed to create an additional closet for much-needed storage space.

Side view of Houston outdoor sitting area shows Western Austin limestone, stucco chimney column, 10-foot-high pinewood outdoor ceiling, Rosa flagstone patio and Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture Full project description: Check out this great outdoor sitting area with a stucco and stone fireplace and the largest outdoor ceiling fan we've ever seen! Outdoor living space designs typically match the house exactly - but this one couldn't. The homeowners' association restrictions ended up shrinking the outdoor sitting area from 20-foot-square to 15-foot-square, so the arches couldn't be the same size as they were on the house. After a bit of math and an adjustment in the thickness of the arches, however, Outdoor Homescapes of Houston preserved the proper scale and proportion. Especially problematic was the half arch connecting the free-standing structure to the back of the house - since a gutter had to be added for sufficient drainage. "The wood-burning fireplace will provide heat and definitely cozy up this patio addition as we head into fall and winter - especially with vents that push the heated air directly out into the sitting area," says Franks. "But since this outdoor living space was built for all seasons, the large outdoor ceiling fan will also help keep it cool in summer. In addition to the gas fireplace featuring bench seating, this detached, covered patio also had two outdoor sofas and a coffee table from Restoration Hardware. Built at an angle that faces the back of the house at the far end of the pool and hot tub, this outdoor living space design definitely fulfills its mission to blend in with the existing house. Its light-colored stucco and Western Austin Limestone with bluish-grey accents, for instance, echoes the contemporary home's stone and stucco exterior. The 10-foot-high ceiling under the hipped roof, meanwhile, features a dark stain matching that of the existing covered patio ceiling along the back of the house. The addition's Rosa flagstone patio is also an extension of the existing patio, and the Oklahoma wister flagstone bench seating is a perfect match to the coping on the existing pool. Similarly, the black lantern light fixtures on the support columns of this outdoor sitting area are the same style as those on the house. The client wanted gas light fixtures, like they have on the house. Outdoor Homescapes could only find electric fixtures that matched, but wqw able to convert them into gas fixtures with a conversion kit from Cunningham Gas. The Restoration Hardware seating and coffee table, meanwhile, suit the client's desire to entertain guests in style after dinner while enjoying a cigar. "The project was a challenge, but it turned out beautiful," says company owner Wayne Franks. "And it really does look like it was built with the house."

We developed a design utilizing organic materials to deliver a Master Bathroom that fulfilled the homeowners wishes of capturing the essence of a memorable vacation retreat. The subtle shine of the polished tile contrasts beautifully with the rich color of the Cherrywood cabinets and the salvaged Teak* wood slats; these elements when intermingled with the bold matte black finishes bring about the perfect balance, creating an inviting retreat after a long day. *Teak slats: sourced from vintage buildings in Southeast Asia

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.