Search results for "Functional" in Home Design Ideas

This is a redesigned studio apartment we recently renovated. The goal was to increase function and increase the feeling of separate functions. Luckily, this studio is of an impressive size and we were able to increase function via a large kitchen, dining area, home office, and bedroom area.
Each separated area serves its own purpose and gives the feeling that the apartment, though small, has plenty of space for differing tasks. The result is a highly functioning studio that doesn’t feel cramped, but rather like a one bed apartment.
Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.
For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/
To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/upscale-chicago-studio-renovation-design/

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests:
• Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design
• Natural elements
• Kitchen more open to dining
• Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing
Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking.
For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone.
To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes.
Features:
• Ventilated drawers
• Composting sink
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Silent hood and dishwasher
When it came to their master bath, my clients requested:
• Spa-feeling
• Shower for two
• Functional makeup area
• Two sinks
• Linen storage
• Walk-in closet
• Separate toilet compartment
• Door to backyard for pool access.
I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating.
Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity.
Storage:
• Tall louvered linen cabinet
• Flush medicine cabinets
• His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity
• Multiple shower niches
• Function-packed walk-in closet
• Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule
• Bedroom armoire
Function:
• Seating in shower
• Seating in main bath
• Convenient towel bars
• Silent, powerful vent fans
• Good lighting
• Textured glass windows add light and privacy.
Ed Gohlich photographer

This house built in the 1990s never had renovations done prior to this whole house remodel. Filled with vibrant wallpaper and shiny brass finishes so indicative of the time the house was in need of a major upgrade and refresh.
The laundry room already had ample space and storage, but we tailored the storage for the family. An integrated shoe shelf allows for a clean space to store shoes in this no shoe household. A fold down, integrated ironing board provides functionality without crowding the space.
The powder bath is the only bath on the first floor, so is a full bath, but functions as a powder bath 90% of the time. We wanted to keep the focus away from the shower and keep the fun of a powder bath. A custom window pane patterned etched glass shower allows the shower to stay in the background.
In the master bath there was also ample space, but the design was in great need of an upgrade. With a decked-in tub and shower that you had to step up and then down into, the space needed a better flow and easier access. A freestanding tub allowed all of the decking to be removed and gave space for a larger, more luxurious shower. A huge linen storage with bench that double as a suitcase stand finishes out the space nicely. The room was given a clean, modern farmhouse feel to really freshen up the space.
The focus of this kitchen was to open up the workflow, creating a space for the family to work comfortably while also creating a beautiful and inspiring space. Placing a large refrigerator at the edge of the kitchen, adding a beverage refrigerator, using a Galley Workstation and having the island at a slightly lower height makes it highly functional for the whole family. It is rare to achieve a long line of symmetry, but with a feature wall created around the range top we were able to do so. We created an antique armoire feel with the panel ready refrigerator and custom panel design above.
A mixture of hardware was used, the gray stained hickory cabinets were paired with matte black hardware, while the designer white cabinets were paired with brass hardware. A very custom refrigerator cabinet was created that emphasized the armoire feel. A long wall of 9” deep tall cabinets created a very beautiful as well as highly functional pantry space.
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A classic Portland foursquare, lovingly owned by an active and lively family of four, had undergone some unfortunate previous renovations that were in desperate need of updating. A cramped kitchen layout, lacking countertop work space, non-functional appliance locations (the range was floating on it’s own!), cramped kitchen nook not large enough for eat-in space and therefor left underutilized, and a general lack of storage all needed to be addressed.
To increase functional space, we enclosed a small back porch and re-built the adjacent nook, folding in the square footage to create an expansive kitchen footprint. We relocated the back door and added a back deck while creating space for a mud bench for littles to tuck away their gear! The enlarged kitchen now boasts a extensive natural light thanks to the addition of several windows.
An easy work flow was created within the new kitchen layout featuring an in-island sink with range and hood flanked by matching windows. Custom cabinet accessories make storage a breeze and provide a space for all the necessities to be right at the homeowner’s fingertips. The eat-in kitchen space allows not only for lingering family chats, but homework and craft projects to be done while dinner simmers on the stove. This kitchen truly is the heart of this home!
All of the updates were completed with the home’s original foursquare architecture in mind. with a focus on classic architectural molding styles, traditional window details, and clean-lined classic fixtures. Youthfulness and modernity are infused into the space with the contemporary handmade tile backsplash, rich and timeless green cabinets, and artistic wallpaper with a whimsical floral print and subtle European nod. The custom range in cream and brass is a stunning showstopper and a testament that even the most functional of elements in a kitchen can still be beautiful! Which one is the star of the show? How do we pick just one?!

This organic modern kitchen is the perfect balance of warmth, texture, and functionality, designed to create a space that’s as beautiful as it is livable. Our goal for this kitchen renovation was to blend natural materials with modern design elements for a timeless, elevated look.
The space features cream shaker cabinets paired with black and gold hardware for a sophisticated contrast, while a herringbone tile backsplash adds texture and visual movement. To maintain a clean, seamless look, we integrated hidden under-cabinet outlets, allowing the backsplash to remain uninterrupted.
At the heart of the space, the kitchen island offers both form and function—equipped with waterproof pop-up outlets, plenty of prep space, and striking matte black pendant lighting that anchors the design.
Every detail was thoughtfully planned for maximum functionality, including custom spice and cutting board drawers, pantry roll-outs, and pull-out trash storage. The design is completed with new stainless steel appliances, organic décor, and touches of greenery to bring a fresh, natural feel to the room.
If you’re looking for organic modern kitchen design inspiration or planning a kitchen renovation in [Washington DC / Maryland / Virginia], our team at 3SI Design specializes in creating custom kitchens that are both elegant and functional.

THE SETUP
Sam’s clients wanted to update their hall bathroom used by their three children. The goal was to create a space that is both kid-friendly and elegant, ensuring it remains functional and stylish as the children grow. The original bathroom felt confined due to dark materials and a single-sink vanity. The challenge was to find a design that looks great now and in the future.
Design objectives:
Create a sense of spaciousness
Increase storage for bathroom necessities and daily routines
Enhance lighting
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Transforming a small, dark space into a bright, open one without adding a new window
Multi-user-minded – Improving functionality for multiple users simultaneously
Timeless & kid-friendly – create a comfy kid-friendly look that won’t appear dated as the kids grow older
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Slimmer Tub and Sliding Shower Door installed to free up functional space, making the bathroom feel larger.
Lighter Materials used to reflect more light and add a vibrant feel. Open shelves above the toilet provide storage without making the space feel cramped, while allowing light from the existing window to permeate.
Dual Sink Vanity added, and split the mirror into two, creating individual stations for the kids and enhancing usability during busy routines.
Kid-Friendly Features – Incorporated toe-kick lighting that works as a nightlight, a lower-mounted shower handheld, and a large, accessible shower niche. The geometric shapes and blue color palette contribute to a fun yet sophisticated look.
The clients are thrilled with the transformation. The bathroom is now fun and elegant, providing a timeless look that will grow with the kids. They appreciate the increased functionality and the bright, open feel of the space.
This remodel successfully blends practical solutions with stylish design, ensuring the hall bathroom meets the needs of a busy family while maintaining a sophisticated look.

Our second Tonto Trail project in Rio Verde was quite the transformation for Phase 1. The existing flooring throughout was a stamped concrete, the kitchen was outdated and the pantry was a bizarre shape that made it almost unusable. It was time for some changes!
We removed soffits and re-arranged the kitchen a little to make it feel more open and functional. Selecting Repose Grey painted cabinetry for the perimeter, a warm grey wood stained island and bar to coordinate, marble quartz, Cloe white subway tile laid in herringbone pattern for the backsplash and a wood tile plank flooring that tied all the tones together, really brightened up the home. Lighting was extemely important to our client, so we added can lighting throughout and LED lighting under all the uppers.
For the pantry, it was also important to our client for it to be functional. We reconfigured the surrounding walls to make the pantry more square and bigger on the inside, allowing space for cabinetry, countertops and floating shelves to keep it visually open. By their slider and dining area, we created a bar area to have a beverage fridge and more storage. With changes to openings and existing closets, we were able to gain additional functional storage for our client as well.
This remodel has made our clients home more functional, lighter and brighter with updated finishes throughout!

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
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Architect and Urban Designer
Weinbrunner, in his book “Das
Architektonische Lehrbuch”, writes:
“Beauty lies in the perfect symbiosis
of form and function”. The exclusive
concept behind the VENERE kitchen
project is based on this concept
of symbiosis, where practical and
functional needs are integrated with
ergonomic design to create a model
that is both beautiful and highly
functional.

Modern Citi Group recently collaborated with Amelia and Jeremy to reimagine their newly purchased Junior-4 apartment with a complete remodel. This exciting renovation transformed the layout to add a second bedroom, a full second bathroom, and an updated kitchen layout. The goal was to create a functional, family-friendly floor plan and a modern, visually appealing space tailored to their lifestyle.
Our design team faced the challenge of balancing modern aesthetics with a strict budget. After exploring multiple layout options and visualizations, Amelia and Jeremy chose a design they felt best suited their vision.
The construction team brought the design to life, converting the dining room into a second bedroom with a large closet. The kitchen layout was reconfigured to feature an island, additional storage, and ergonomic functionality. We transformed a powder room into a full second bathroom with a walk-in shower and re-purposed the walk-in closet off the primary bedroom into a home office with a built-in desk.
Our professionals refinished floors, walls, and ceilings, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, and installed additional lighting throughout to optimize flow and functionality.
The kitchen featured solid wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a porcelain tile floor. Neutral gray-blue cabinets complement the Empira White stone and matte black hardware, creating a sleek, fashion-forward space.
Both bathrooms were reimagined with luxurious new tiling, stylish fixtures, and upgraded plumbing and lighting. The powder room was converted into a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, featuring Arabescato Marble porcelain tiles and Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue walls to unify the kitchen and bath designs. High-quality fixtures from Delta and Kohler added a refined touch.
In just a few short months, Modern Citi Group transformed an outdated apartment into a sleek, modern home. The remodel beautifully combines style, comfort, and functionality, creating a space that's both elevated and efficient.

The master bedroom is a cozy space, capturing the character of the previous roofline with a rustic beam detail. A built in dog bed takes advantage of unused attic space and a new niche became the perfect spot to house the current reading list. Because of the age of the home, the design was about embracing the cottage feel of the home. This was done with modern windows that let in abundant natural light for their size and location. Supply chain issues significantly delayed the project when the windows took far longer than expected or planned, but they were absolutely worth the wait. They fit the aesthetic of the home, maximize natural light, and complement the eclectic vibe within the master suite.
The space was further personalized with bold wallpaper that features an antique vibe. The chandelier was curated for the space to add interest and uniqueness to the room. Instead of a door, the opening to the closet gives a spatial feel to the suite and maximizes function and flow.

Modern Citi Group recently collaborated with Amelia and Jeremy to reimagine their newly purchased Junior-4 apartment with a complete remodel. This exciting renovation transformed the layout to add a second bedroom, a full second bathroom, and an updated kitchen layout. The goal was to create a functional, family-friendly floor plan and a modern, visually appealing space tailored to their lifestyle.
Our design team faced the challenge of balancing modern aesthetics with a strict budget. After exploring multiple layout options and visualizations, Amelia and Jeremy chose a design they felt best suited their vision.
The construction team brought the design to life, converting the dining room into a second bedroom with a large closet. The kitchen layout was reconfigured to feature an island, additional storage, and ergonomic functionality. We transformed a powder room into a full second bathroom with a walk-in shower and re-purposed the walk-in closet off the primary bedroom into a home office with a built-in desk.
Our professionals refinished floors, walls, and ceilings, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, and installed additional lighting throughout to optimize flow and functionality.
The kitchen featured solid wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a porcelain tile floor. Neutral gray-blue cabinets complement the Empira White stone and matte black hardware, creating a sleek, fashion-forward space.
Both bathrooms were reimagined with luxurious new tiling, stylish fixtures, and upgraded plumbing and lighting. The powder room was converted into a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, featuring Arabescato Marble porcelain tiles and Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue walls to unify the kitchen and bath designs. High-quality fixtures from Delta and Kohler added a refined touch.
In just a few short months, Modern Citi Group transformed an outdated apartment into a sleek, modern home. The remodel beautifully combines style, comfort, and functionality, creating a space that's both elevated and efficient.

THE SETUP
Sam’s clients wanted to update their hall bathroom used by their three children. The goal was to create a space that is both kid-friendly and elegant, ensuring it remains functional and stylish as the children grow. The original bathroom felt confined due to dark materials and a single-sink vanity. The challenge was to find a design that looks great now and in the future.
Design objectives:
Create a sense of spaciousness
Increase storage for bathroom necessities and daily routines
Enhance lighting
THE REMODEL
Design challenges to be solved:
No structural changes – must keep the tub and wall structure
Transforming a small, dark space into a bright, open one without adding a new window
Multi-user-minded – Improving functionality for multiple users simultaneously
Timeless & kid-friendly – create a comfy kid-friendly look that won’t appear dated as the kids grow older
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design solutions:
Slimmer Tub and Sliding Shower Door installed to free up functional space, making the bathroom feel larger.
Lighter Materials used to reflect more light and add a vibrant feel. Open shelves above the toilet provide storage without making the space feel cramped, while allowing light from the existing window to permeate.
Dual Sink Vanity added, and split the mirror into two, creating individual stations for the kids and enhancing usability during busy routines.
Kid-Friendly Features – Incorporated toe-kick lighting that works as a nightlight, a lower-mounted shower handheld, and a large, accessible shower niche. The geometric shapes and blue color palette contribute to a fun yet sophisticated look.
The clients are thrilled with the transformation. The bathroom is now fun and elegant, providing a timeless look that will grow with the kids. They appreciate the increased functionality and the bright, open feel of the space.
This remodel successfully blends practical solutions with stylish design, ensuring the hall bathroom meets the needs of a busy family while maintaining a sophisticated look.

This Frederick-area kitchen remodel by Talon Construction Inc. is a standout example of how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can completely transform the heart of a home. Blending modern functionality with timeless finishes, the space is both visually striking and highly livable tailored to how homeowners cook, gather, and entertain.
At the center of the design is a large, statement island topped with marble-inspired quartz. Its expansive surface serves as a multifunctional hub for meal prep, casual dining, and socializing. The waterfall-like veining carries seamlessly into the full-height backsplash, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic that feels custom and refined.
The cabinetry palette strikes a perfect balance between contrast and warmth. Crisp white shaker-style upper cabinets keep the perimeter light and open, while soft gray base cabinetry and a matching island ground the space with subtle depth. Matte black hardware adds a clean, contemporary edge, complementing the overall modern farmhouse feel.
Functionality is just as impressive as the visual appeal. The layout maximizes storage and efficiency with a mix of deep drawers, roll-out organizers, and integrated appliance solutions. A custom pantry provides dedicated storage with built-in shelving and drawer systems, making organization effortless and accessible. The island itself incorporates clever storage features, including pull-outs and utensil organization, ensuring everything has its place.
High-end appliances are thoughtfully integrated to maintain clean sightlines, including stainless steel wall ovens and a counter-depth refrigerator. This approach enhances both usability and the open, uncluttered feel of the kitchen.
Lighting plays a key role in defining the space. Layered illumination from recessed ceiling lights to decorative glass pendant fixtures over the island. This adds both function and ambiance. Under-cabinet lighting highlights the backsplash while improving task visibility, and natural light from nearby windows further enhances the bright, airy atmosphere.
Warm-toned luxury vinyl plank flooring ties everything together, introducing texture and durability while softening the overall palette. The result is a kitchen that feels inviting, comfortable, and built for everyday life.
Ultimately, this remodel reflects a design-build approach that prioritizes both beauty and practicality. Every detail, from the cabinetry and countertops to the lighting and storage has been carefully considered to create a space that not only looks exceptional but functions seamlessly for years to come.

The homeowner’s of this 1 1/2 story home in Minneapolis came to Castle Building & Remodeling hoping to remodel their already finished attic space. Designer Ashley Hansen came up with a functional design within the existing footprint to help achieve all the homeowners’ goals.
Originally, the attic space served as a functional bonus space, including storage and a place guests could stay if they were visiting. However, with the finished remodel in mind, the homeowner’s wanted a new owner’s suite with a functioning bathroom, storage space, and a defined office.
To achieve these goals, the loft area was bumped out allowing for a full functioning office space and lounging area. Glass doors were utilized to define the bedroom space, but allow the natural light to flood through and maintain the open and airy feel. A 3/4 bathroom was added to the newly defined bedroom space; and the tiled shower and new floating vanity add to the overall modern feel of the suite.

Step into the epitome of modern elegance with this stunning kitchen featuring white shaker-style cabinet doors adorned with sleek black knobs and handles. The contrasting color scheme creates a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere, while the clean lines of the shaker style add a touch of simplicity and class.
A focal point of this kitchen is the expansive blue island, commanding attention with its rich hue and providing a vibrant contrast to the surrounding white cabinetry. This large island not only serves as a functional workspace but also doubles as a gathering spot, perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests.
The upper cabinets showcase a stylish wine rack, seamlessly integrated into the design to offer both form and function. It adds a touch of luxury and convenience, allowing you to showcase your favorite vintages in a sophisticated manner.
Taking functionality to the next level, the island is equipped with a built-in microwave oven, ensuring efficient use of space and convenience for your cooking needs. The under-mount quartz sink adds to the seamless aesthetic, blending seamlessly into the countertop and making clean-up a breeze.
For a truly integrated look, a panel-ready dishwasher is discreetly placed among the cabinetry, maintaining the sleek and uncluttered appearance of the kitchen. The combination of white, black, and blue hues, along with the thoughtful integration of modern appliances and design elements, makes this kitchen a perfect blend of style and functionality for the contemporary home.

This Boulder Bungalow home remodel focussed on greater functionality and sense of openness across the kitchen, living room, and entire first floor layout, without sacrificing the Bungalow charm! In addition to this, we added a banquette in their sunroom for more functional eating space. We stuck with light and bright colors that would adapt really well to any fun colors added in with furniture, textiles, and accessories. This was crucial to the original goal of opening up the space and creating a welcoming layout that promotes hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere in the warm and inviting Boulder home. A standout feature of this project is the small dry bar / built-in cabinetry feature in the living room. This space was originally a small, not highly functional closet, with a staircase running in the bottom of it, making it a design challenge to make the area a more functional, focal point for the living room. This gave the space purpose and life, and provided the opportunity to give a more visual, built-in element to the main living area, that then continues into the kitchen, which provides a really cool way to move you through the home with a cohesive, integrated design.

This Byron Center whole-home remodel focused on making the house functional and comfortable for a family with school-age kids. The lower level needed to become a gathering space for relaxing and entertaining, complete with a dedicated craft room. The laundry room and mudroom upstairs needed a full renovation to handle the family's daily routine.
Our team designed the lower level around a custom live-edge countertop the homeowner selected for the kitchenette and bar, balancing its rustic character with a gold tile backsplash and fixtures. Upstairs, we installed dry-away racks in the laundry room and added an inviting color palette. Custom lockers were built into the mudroom to fit the family's routine.
The homeowner had already chosen standout light fixtures before the project began, and our designer, Alissa, worked them into the design, making them a true accent feature. We also preserved the home's existing laundry chute, which ran from the second floor down to the laundry room, by tucking it neatly into a cabinet rather than tearing it out. The result is a home that balances fun and function throughout, with every space tailored to how this family lives.

Reprioritizing & reconfiguring spaces to update master bath and create guest accommodations.
Project Details:
These homeowners loved the light, the views, and the compactness of their condo unit. The dining space could accommodate the whole family, they had private areas for quiet reading time, and they loved the location, the building and the community. They definitely did not want to leave.
However, the wasted space in the guest bath, the dark, depressing, heavy-feeling in the master bath and the lack of closet space for guests were all problems for them. They wanted a brighter, more inviting bathroom with more functionality and storage, better accommodations for guests, and the tv room to become a comfortable place to relax and actually enjoy the incredible view they had. The unit was designed specifically for the needs of the previous owner, but they needed their home to fit their own needs and lifestyle.
Our team helped this couple create the bright master bath they wanted, complete with additional functionality and storage options. The guest bath and sitting room were also both reconfigured. The guest bath was reworked to become smaller - but more functional, and the sitting room was expanded to become a fully-functioning guest room.
The reprioritization and reworking of spaces in this unit is a great example of working within an existing framework to create rooms that better fit the needs and wants of a homeowner. The new spaces are a much better fit for the lifestyle and aesthetic of this couple, while mimicking the warmth and welcoming feel of the existing spaces they already enjoyed. They are now able to fully take advantage of the views in all living areas of the unit and can easily accommodate guests in comfort whenever they desire.

This organic modern kitchen is the perfect balance of warmth, texture, and functionality, designed to create a space that’s as beautiful as it is livable. Our goal for this kitchen renovation was to blend natural materials with modern design elements for a timeless, elevated look.
The space features cream shaker cabinets paired with black and gold hardware for a sophisticated contrast, while a herringbone tile backsplash adds texture and visual movement. To maintain a clean, seamless look, we integrated hidden under-cabinet outlets, allowing the backsplash to remain uninterrupted.
At the heart of the space, the kitchen island offers both form and function—equipped with waterproof pop-up outlets, plenty of prep space, and striking matte black pendant lighting that anchors the design.
Every detail was thoughtfully planned for maximum functionality, including custom spice and cutting board drawers, pantry roll-outs, and pull-out trash storage. The design is completed with new stainless steel appliances, organic décor, and touches of greenery to bring a fresh, natural feel to the room.
If you’re looking for organic modern kitchen design inspiration or planning a kitchen renovation in [Washington DC / Maryland / Virginia], our team at 3SI Design specializes in creating custom kitchens that are both elegant and functional.

The Setup
When Samantha’s clients purchased their new home, they quickly realized the primary bath and adjacent laundry room weren’t just dated — they were dysfunctional. The bathroom featured a hulking decked-in tub, a cramped pass-through layout, and plumbing fixtures that barely worked. Meanwhile, the nearby laundry room felt more like a closet, lacking both natural light and usable storage. As long-time returning Drury Design clients, these veteran remodeling clients came to us with a clear ask: reimagine these two key spaces with long-term comfort, function, and beauty in mind.
Design objectives:
Create a more functional, spacious layout in the primary bath
Modernize the aesthetic while respecting the home’s transitional character
Eliminate awkward bump-outs and toe-stubbing pinch points
Design a large walk-in shower with thoughtful aging-in-place elements
Incorporate a sculptural standalone tub that feels intentional, not crowded
Improve laundry room utility and bring in natural light
Introduce discreet yet effective storage in both rooms
Make both spaces feel cohesive, light-filled, and livable for years to come
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
A bulky built-in tub jutted into the circulation path, creating toe-stubbing hazards
The bathroom layout was awkwardly L-shaped, limiting flow and flexibility
The shower and toilet were squeezed together in an enclosed room with poor use of space
The linen cabinet in the bathroom was large and clunky, crowding the room
The laundry room was undersized, lacked light, and had limited functionality
The home featured transitional details that didn’t align with the clients’ more contemporary style
The clients wanted both spaces to support future aging-in-place needs
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Swapped the oversized tub for a freestanding sculptural version placed on an angle, clearing walkways and preserving window symmetry and light
Reworked the footprint to create a rectangular layout that maximized space in both the primary bath and laundry room
Removed the enclosed toilet/shower room and replaced it with a wide, glass-enclosed shower and a tucked-away toilet — all within a visually open and efficient layout
Tucked a slim, full-height linen cabinet just behind the entry door — easily accessible without cluttering the visual field
Retooled layout allowed laundry room to extend over the old shower/toilet space, also winning a window – this brightens the laundry space and the hallway beyond. Also added smart storage, a wide sink, folding counter, and broom cabinet with power.
Balanced contemporary materials with transitional details — including a rich color palette, chrome finishes, mosaic accents, and herringbone tile in a larger scale for traditional flair
Integrated aging-in-place features including a wide walk-in shower, large built-in bench with nearby handheld, and plenty of room for easy movement and accessibility
Final Thoughts:
By designing these two rooms in tandem, Samantha was able to create a smooth and thoughtful flow between everyday tasks and everyday comfort. The bathroom now offers generous circulation space, elegant materials, and features designed for longevity — including a large shower with bench seating and open sightlines that support accessibility. Just steps away, the laundry room is no longer a tucked-away closet but a light-filled, functional hub with room to fold, hang, rinse, and more (ex. recharge vacuum in a closet with power outlets). For these longtime Drury Design clients, it’s a two-room transformation built not just for today – but for the years ahead.
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