Search results for "Functional entertainment" in Home Design Ideas

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.
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Modern Italian Wall Unit / Entertainment Center JA-1040, Italy. This wall unit and entertainment center is unique for its contemporary design with modern European flavor. The wall unit composition can easily decorate your home, making your living room beautiful and functional at the same time, providing lots of both hidden and exposed storage space for any needs. The wall unit collection is modular and consists of a variety of units that are available in different sizes, giving you an opportunity to customize the wall unit composition according your own dimensions, design ideas and functional requirements. All units are available in several sizes and even colors, so you could design the wall unit you really need! Shown in so popular Cherry finish with Off-White gloss lacquered fronts.
Please contact our office regarding customization of this wall unit composition.
The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition as shown in the main picture.
Dimensions:
Wall Unit: W118" x D15"/23.6" x H85"
TV Space: W53" x H27"

Italian Entertainment Center / Wall Unit MONACO by ALF. Monaco is a top quality and stunning looking italian living room furniture collection made with functionality in mind and great attention to details. The unique design of the "velvet birch" veneer inlay under the High Gloss lacquer together with chrome accent details define the style of the MONACO collection that definitely impresses. Entertainment center consists of the separate units that add flexibility and functionality. TV Stand features two door-compartments on sides, drawer in the center and an open compartment for your electronic devices. Curios have internal glass shelves and built-in LED light. Monaco Living Room Collection also offers: 2-door curio and occasional tables; to complement your interior. All pieces can be sold separately.
Dimensions:
Wall Unit: W124" x D22" x H75"
Individual Pieces:
TV Stand: W68" x D22" x H19"
1-Door Curio: W28" x D22" x H75"
Rectangular Coffee Table: W47" x D24" x H13"
Square Coffee Table: W47" x D47" x H13"
End Table: W24" x D24" x H13"

Design: kbg Design / Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz
Transitional kitchen photo in San Francisco
Transitional kitchen photo in San Francisco

This client wanted a functional outdoor entertaining space yet was faced with grading and drainage issues. After extensive drainage systems and the installation of a series of masonry and engineered retaining walls, the slopes were grading allowing for a wonderful series of entertainment spaces to be built. Project was complete in 4 weeks.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Kitchen in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Our retired clients approached us to renovate the Kitchen and Powder Room in their 1993 home, which they have lived in for 30 years.
As they love to entertain and have visits with their grandchildren, they needed the Renovation to focus on creating an updated and open concept Main Floor to make their home to look and feel more spacious and inviting.
Their Kitchen was outdated and cramped, lacking in counter space and storage. The Powder Room was dated, and the plumbing fixtures were lacking in both looks and function. As they love to cook and bake, a more open and functional Kitchen was a must.
The closed off Main Floor was lacking in flow and function. As the Dining Room and Living Room both felt closed off and isolated, they were often unused. As well, the Main Staircase was carpeted with wooden pickets, and needed a modern facelift.
After working closely with the clients to understand their wants and needs, one of our talented Sosna designers, Camila, was able to create a design plan that not only optimized functionality but also made the space uniquely theirs.
During the planning stage, it was discovered that an exhaust pipe that went from the Basement, and through the Main Floor to the roof could be removed. Removing this pipe freed up a lot of space, allowing for more storage to be added.
Camila then worked closely with the construction area of the Sosna team to provide our clients with the home of their dreams. Our team first removed the walls separating the Living Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen to create a brighter, more open space. We then brought up an existing window sill to match the window at the Kitchen sink to make space for an extra long countertop and plenty of cabinetry. We built a large peninsula with 4 seats in the Kitchen, functioning much like an Island. The peninsula was positioned to face Kitchen window, providing a direct view to their beautiful backyard.
We made sure to incorporate plenty of storage space, and practical features. Appliance garages were installed to store unsightly small appliances, and a coffee station was added, perfect for mornings and afternoon visits with family and friends.
The Powder Room plumbing was updated, providing the space with a modern look, and more efficient fixtures, and the staircase was given a beautiful modern update that will be much easier to maintain.
Our clients and their beautiful dog stayed with their daughter’s family during the renovation. While it was wonderful to spend time with family, it’s always nice to be home again. Our proven process and detailed planning enabled us to keep our promise to get the project completed on time.
In the end, we were able to create an open concept space that was both inviting and functional, perfect for entertaining and cooking. Our clients were thrilled with the results and have already started planning their next get-together.
If you love your home, but looking to make it more functional and comfortable for your specific needs, we're the Renovator You Can Count On. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

Living Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Dining Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Kitchen in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Some homes are built. Others are thoughtfully designed to grow with the people who live in them.
This whole-home remodel in Lafayette, Colorado is a study in what becomes possible when every detail — from the soaring two-story great room to the tailored kitchen finishes — is approached with intention.
The Living Room
The heart of this home centers around a dramatic two-story living space flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling clerestory windows. A custom navy shiplap accent wall with integrated built-in cabinetry anchors the room, balancing an expansive marble-surround fireplace and warm, wide-plank hardwood flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the main level. The result is a space designed for both effortless daily living and effortless entertaining.
The Kitchen
Designed for the homeowner who actually cooks — and hosts — this custom kitchen delivers on every level. A large quartz island with seating for five becomes the natural gathering point, complemented by ceiling-height shaker cabinetry in soft grey and white, ribbed glass pendant lights in brushed brass, and a full-slab marble-look backsplash that extends from counter to ceiling behind the professional-grade gas range. Brass hardware and fixtures run consistently throughout, creating a refined, cohesive design language that feels elevated without being overcomplicated.
The Dining Space
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining space was designed for the kind of gathering that makes a home worth coming back to. Custom open shelving with white subway tile, a glass-front display cabinet, and an integrated wine fridge create a fully functional entertaining wall — while a geometric black chandelier and dark trestle table ground the space in a modern-transitional aesthetic that is warm, refined, and completely livable.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Living Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light.
The objectives were:
-Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean
-Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar
-Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa
-Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet
Design challenges:
-Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space
-Proper ventilation for the hood
-Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak
Design solutions:
-After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations
-Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop
-Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used
-Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality
-Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below
-Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored
-Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current
-Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest
Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area
Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.
With omitting the wall cabinets, it was necessary to add in the large pantry cabinet that featured custom drawer pull outs and shelving for the ultimate food storage.

This basement renovation was specifically designed to provide additional and more functional entertaining space. We addressed the previous layout, where the old bar somewhat divided the area, by installing a new bar that seamlessly opens up the floor plan, creating a much more inviting space for gatherings.
We also relocated the main gathering area to the larger open section of the basement. This allowed us to incorporate the big screened TV, making it a focal point for entertainment.
The custom-designed built-in shelving unit serves multiple purposes. It cleverly integrates a necessary support beam into the design while also subtly defining the game table area. Furthermore, this piece offers a stylish wine display and includes concealed shelving for convenient storage.

Some homes are built. Others are thoughtfully designed to grow with the people who live in them.
This whole-home remodel in Lafayette, Colorado is a study in what becomes possible when every detail — from the soaring two-story great room to the tailored kitchen finishes — is approached with intention.
The Living Room
The heart of this home centers around a dramatic two-story living space flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling clerestory windows. A custom navy shiplap accent wall with integrated built-in cabinetry anchors the room, balancing an expansive marble-surround fireplace and warm, wide-plank hardwood flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the main level. The result is a space designed for both effortless daily living and effortless entertaining.
The Kitchen
Designed for the homeowner who actually cooks — and hosts — this custom kitchen delivers on every level. A large quartz island with seating for five becomes the natural gathering point, complemented by ceiling-height shaker cabinetry in soft grey and white, ribbed glass pendant lights in brushed brass, and a full-slab marble-look backsplash that extends from counter to ceiling behind the professional-grade gas range. Brass hardware and fixtures run consistently throughout, creating a refined, cohesive design language that feels elevated without being overcomplicated.
The Dining Space
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining space was designed for the kind of gathering that makes a home worth coming back to. Custom open shelving with white subway tile, a glass-front display cabinet, and an integrated wine fridge create a fully functional entertaining wall — while a geometric black chandelier and dark trestle table ground the space in a modern-transitional aesthetic that is warm, refined, and completely livable.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

This sophisticated dining area in McLean, VA, serves as a seamless extension of the kitchen, featuring custom sage green cabinetry and a beautifully integrated wet bar. Equipped with a wine refrigerator and open shelving, it’s the perfect space for both morning coffee and evening entertaining. The warm wood tones and transitional design create an inviting atmosphere for any gathering.

This custom basement bar renovation features a modern combination of dark cabinetry, a full-height textured tile backsplash, and a dramatic black stone countertop. Floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase glassware and décor, adding both function and warmth to the space.
The design blends clean lines, rich finishes, and durable materials to create a stylish and highly functional entertainment area. A built-in beverage cooler, undermount sink, and seamless detailing complete the contemporary look.
This project transforms the basement into an elegant gathering space with a refined, upscale feel.

Living Room in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months
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