Search results for "Functional entertainment" in Home Design Ideas

This Cobble Hill Brownstone for a family of five is a fun and captivating design, the perfect blend of the wife’s love of English country style and the husband’s preference for modern. The young power couple, her the co-founder of Maisonette and him an investor, have three children and a dog, requiring that all the surfaces, finishes and, materials used throughout the home are both beautiful and durable to make every room a carefree space the whole family can enjoy.
The primary design challenge for this project was creating both distinct places for the family to live their day to day lives and also a whole floor dedicated to formal entertainment. The clients entertain large dinners on a monthly basis as part of their profession. We solved this by adding an extension on the Garden and Parlor levels. This allowed the Garden level to function as the daily family operations center and the Parlor level to be party central. The kitchen on the garden level is large enough to dine in and accommodate a large catering crew.
On the parlor level, we created a large double parlor in the front of the house; this space is dedicated to cocktail hour and after-dinner drinks. The rear of the parlor is a spacious formal dining room that can seat up to 14 guests. The middle "library" space contains a bar and facilitates access to both the front and rear rooms; in this way, it can double as a staging area for the parties.
The remaining three floors are sleeping quarters for the family and frequent out of town guests. Designing a row house for private and public functions programmatically returns the building to a configuration in line with its original design.
This project was published in Architectural Digest.
Photography by Sam Frost

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.
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The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit.
Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable.
The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside.
Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune.
The clients' needs and desires were:
➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups
➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas
➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework
➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme
➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage
➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave
➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook
Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by:
➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion
➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage.
➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners.
➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals.
The project is enhanced functionally by:
➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island
➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table.
➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers
➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen
➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room.
➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage.
➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware.
➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards.
The project is enhanced aesthetically by:
➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling
➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven
➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island
➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches
➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors.
➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space.
➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches.
Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC:
➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band.
➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging.
➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.
Design obstacles to overcome:
➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel.
➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits
➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components.
Evidence of superior craftsmanship:
➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal
➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen
➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look
➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space
➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

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

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

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

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization.
To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

Orange County, CA - Dynamic Garage Doors include multifunctional door configurations not only for regular garages but garages that have been converted to home offices, playrooms, additional bedrooms, multipurpose rooms as well as man caves throughout the Southern California regions.
This custom garage door project consisted of creating a newly renovated garage into a multipurpose room which would double as a home office as well as entertainment space for guests. The original overhead garage door was eliminated to open up the room space and give the interior of this garage a real room feel as opposed to a makeshift room with an obvious garage feel.
Since the converted garage was to be used as an entertainment area as well as an office it became obvious to introduce bi-folding doors or former accordion doors that could be pushed out of the way to expand the indoors to the outdoors and thus expanding the entertainment to the exterior of the structure as well during those summer evening gatherings. The large glass panes allow ample natural light to bathe the interior of the room when being used as an office and can keep the room's climate under controlled when the accordion doors are completely closed. These custom bi-folding doors seal out the weather while allowing the outdoors in with a warm vivid shower of natural light. What a pleasure it must be to have a working office with staggering windows that can double as an entertainment center in the evenings and weekends!
Dynamic Garage Doors aren't just garage doors, they are functional creations that come in unlimited configurations to suit your needs. Whether you're converting your garage to useful, liveable square footage or simply increasing your home's curb appeal with one of our world-class designed garage doors. We've got just the door solution for your garage!
Call us today for project price consultation: (855) 343-DOOR

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out.
“We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said.
After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction.
“There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said.
Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said.
A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”.
An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family.
The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together.
Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet.
Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said.
Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life.
The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space.
Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace.
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

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life.
The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space.
Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace.
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
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