Our client desired a functional, tasteful, and improved environment to compliment their home. The overall goal was to create a landscape that was subtle and not overdone. The client was highly focused on their deck environment that would span across the rear of the house with an area for a Jacuzzi as well. A portion of the deck has a screened in porch due to the naturally buggy environment since the home is situated in the woods and a low area. A mosquito repellent injection system was incorporated into the irrigation system to help with the bug issue. We improved circulation of the driveway, increased the overall curb appeal of the entrance of the home, and created a scaled and proportional outdoor living environment for the clients to enjoy. The client has religious guidelines that needed to be adhered to with the overall function and design of the landscape, which included an arbor over the deck to support a Sukkah and a Green Egg smoker to cook Kosher foods. Two columns were added at the driveway entrance with lights to help define their driveway entrance since it's the end of a long pipe-stem. New light fixtures were also added to the rear of the house. Our client desired multiple amenities with a limited budget, so everything had to be value engineered through the design and construction process. There is heavy deer pressure on the site, a mosquito issue, low site elevations, flat topography, poor soil, and overall poor drainage of the site. The original driveway was not sized appropriately and the front porch had structural issues, as well as leaked water onto the landing below. The septic tank was also situated close to the rear of the house and had to be contemplated during the design process. Photography: Morgan Howarth. Landscape Architect: Howard Cohen, Surrounds Inc.

This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring,a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” 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

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen remodel, located in a large historic home in Richmond’s Laburnum Park neighborhood, was designed to bring warmth, function, and longevity to a space that originally featured dated metal cabinetry. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt appropriate to the scale and character of the home, while dramatically improving how the space functioned for everyday living. Rich wood cabinetry was selected to add depth and timeless appeal, complemented by classic detailing and full-height storage that reinforces the architectural presence of the room. A large central island anchors the kitchen, providing generous prep space and a natural gathering point, while professional-grade appliances and a substantial hood create a strong, functional focal point along the cooking wall. Natural stone countertops introduce movement and warmth, pairing beautifully with the cabinetry and hardwood floors to create a layered, cohesive feel throughout the space. Perhaps most telling—this kitchen was recently revisited years after completion and remains as beautiful and functional as the day it was installed. A true testament to thoughtful planning, quality materials, and design that stands the test of time.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

Clean, timeless and functional are appropriate words to describe this bar in a three story townhome.
Example of a mid-sized trendy single-wall light wood floor and beige floor wet bar design in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, limestone countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash and beige countertops

This kitchen features matching double islands – one as a prep work workstation and the second for entertaining/gathering – both serving different yet equally important functions and appropriate to the grand scale of the house. One of the designer’s favorite features is the dropped ceiling above the islands (which is backlit) which connects and balances the spaces. The cabinetry is a 5/4 thick overlay door in a transitional slant style, and houses multiple refrigeration and freezer units and appliance storage. The kitchen is fully equipped with every modern appliance a cook could want – from a steam oven, wine column, double ovens and a coffee station. The island is a driftwood-finished white oak, and the countertops are nano glass with the exception of the waterfall-edge island in statuary marble. The exquisite backsplash is a shimmery mother of pearl, which adds sparkle and shine throughout the space. The custom-designed enamel-covered hood is the show-stopping focal point of the room.

Architects: SoNo Arhitekti www.sono.si www.facebook.com/SonoArhitekti Location: Slovenia Architects in Charge: Edvard Blažko, Marko Volk, Nina Tešanović, Samo Radinja Area: 230 sqm Year: 2015 Photographs: Aljoša Videtič This family home is an example of a modern design filled with natural light and building blocks comprised of sustainable material – in this case wood, one of the if not the most strategic material of Slovenia . It's definitely not a typical prefabricated house out of catalogue as we tried to develop a residence that meets the needs of modern users while having functional floor plans and contemporary elegant exterior all appropriately settled into its landscape. Main concept presents three volumes that are placed in a triangular composition partially overlayed with a rectangular form of the upper floor. While the dynamic shape of the groundfloor is covered with a flat roof, the 1st floor is completed with a gable –like roof, echoing the traditional architecture of the house's surroundings. While we enter into an open spacious and dynamically shaped groundfloor we discover a pleasant intimate ambience. The living room and dining area offer a lot of natural light through the large glazed window surfaces. A prominent staircase leads us to the upper sleeping area that consists of the main bedroom with its own dressing room and a bathroom and children's rooms with a smaller bathroom. Despite groundfloor's dynamic shape, its façade is monochrome - predominately a clean white surface in combination with bigger windows. On the contrary the simple form of the upper floor has a boldly designed façade - a combination of dark colour shades and natural larch wood’s textures. Wood is the basic structural element and at the same time complements the facades, window frames, while also dominating the interiors.