Alcove shower - mid-sized transitional 3/4 mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor alcove shower idea in Salt Lake City with recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, beige countertops, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Barry Calhoun Photography
Example of a small minimalist built-in desk light wood floor and brown floor study room design in Vancouver with gray walls

Trendy built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor home office photo in Portland Maine with white walls

Inspiration for a large transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor and beige floor study room remodel in New York with white walls

Photo by Mark Tanner Photography
Bathroom - large contemporary master white tile and marble tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles with white walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Miami with beige walls, a media wall and no fireplace

Eric Roth Photography
Staircase - mid-sized country wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase idea in Boston with painted risers

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master gray tile, white tile and porcelain tile light wood floor and brown floor bathroom idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, white walls, a hinged shower door, white countertops and marble countertops

Rob Karosis: Photographer
Large elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Bridgeport with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and granite countertops

Inspiration for a transitional double-sink and white floor bathroom remodel in Chicago with marble countertops, white countertops, a built-in vanity, gray cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets, beige walls and a vessel sink

Ann Franzen Custom cabinetry in library combines tradition with contemporary lines and function. Farrow and Ball paint color adds an element of richness. Designed by Katrina Franzen.

Interior Design by Gail Barley Interiors Photography by Trevor Ward
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor home bar remodel in Orlando with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, no sink and mirror backsplash

Elegant single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor home bar photo in Portland Maine with green cabinets, no sink, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white countertops

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.

The kitchen, breakfast room and family room are all open to one another. The kitchen has a large twelve foot island topped with Calacatta marble and features a roll-out kneading table, and room to seat the whole family. The sunlight breakfast room opens onto the patio which has a built-in barbeque, and both bar top seating and a built in bench for outdoor dining. The large family room features a cozy fireplace, TV media, and a large built-in bookcase. The adjoining craft room is separated by a set of pocket french doors; where the kids can be visible from the family room as they do their homework.

Example of a transitional freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor home office library design in Los Angeles with gray walls

Photograph © Sharon Risedorph
Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept light wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and no tv

Julia Lynn
Inspiration for a coastal white tile brown floor walk-in shower remodel in Charleston with white walls and a hinged shower door