Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

Giving guests a place to eat, relax by the fire and practice their golf game, we made smart use of the space in this yard. A covered patio with ceiling fan is the perfect place for guests to gather for a meal. We added a unique fire feature with stone bench behind it so guests can sit and warm themselves without having to search for a chair. We added turf and a putting green for a bit of recreation. Potted plants add the finishing touch to this low maintenance space.

Denis gave his patio a complete makeover, building a large fireplace with Stratford Stacked Stone, adding bench seating, and wainscoting. This huge project completely transformed Denis’s patio into a relaxing entertainment hub perfect for a small family gathering around the fire.

For a family that loves hosting large gatherings, this expansive home is a dream; boasting two unique entertaining spaces, each expanding onto outdoor-living areas, that capture its magnificent views. The sheer size of the home allows for various ‘experiences’; from a rec room perfect for hosting game day and an eat-in wine room escape on the lower-level, to a calming 2-story family greatroom on the main. Floors are connected by freestanding stairs, framing a custom cascading-pendant light, backed by a stone accent wall, and facing a 3-story waterfall. A custom metal art installation, templated from a cherished tree on the property, both brings nature inside and showcases the immense vertical volume of the house. Photography: Paul Grdina

Our fiber-enriched, coarse sand overlay mix creates a beautiful and realistic flagstone patio surface where friends and family can gather.
Patio - craftsman backyard concrete paver patio idea in Atlanta

This beautiful bar is part of a basement renovation in Burr Ridge, IL. With an upscale pub as inspiration, this is not your average bar! Each piece was custom designed to an exact shape and purpose, taking advantage of every inch of this smaller space. We varied the cabinet heights and depths to keep each space unique and added glass and mirrors for a classic look. Talora cabinetry was chosen, in a rich cherry wood. The stain is Café Mocha, and a Black Glaze was added for even more depth. A traditional raised panel door style is used, featuring a lovely small cove detail. Custom wood panels wrap the whole lower area, in keeping with the sophisticated pub look. Topping off the look is a heavy traditional crown molding. A rich, earth-tone granite pulls together the different colors in the space, and features an oversized Ogee edge on the bar area. The palette is completed with the backsplash tile, adding another bit of sparkle. To keep this a full-serve area, we have included a kegerator, an ice maker, a mini fridge, and a dishwasher – all hidden behind decorative panels! Finally, with a built-in microwave, built-in TV, the hidden trash unit, and the lovely bar sink, this space is perfect for hosting any get-together. The wood tones continue through to the wine pouring cabinet, and on into the wine cellar, creating a rich and warm gathering and entertaining space!

This small Brooklyn kitchen is approximately 136 square feet. The clients are avid cooks and often host large family gatherings. Creating more storage was a key component of the design, as well as maximizing counter space. The clients wanted a 'Parisian' feeling to their new kitchen which was achieved with furniture and finishes. The existing floor was replaced with a honed granite tile, which hides any spills and has a neutral greenish tone. The existing kitchen cabinets remained, but were painted to match the new glass front storage unit next to the table. Satin nickel knobs and pulls were also added. A new undercount sink was installedand the countertops over the cabinets and the new storage unit are a beautifully toned green/white granite. The new backsplash is a sea green glass subway tile. Under cabinet lighting was installed, as there is only one small window in the kitchen. A new black marble bistro style table with leather chairs can also function as a serving bar at dinner parties.

This client was so much fun to design for. Their project was all about color, texture and creating a master bedroom and guest bedroom that compliments their passion for traveling and eclectic style. We created a seating area in the master bedroom where the family can gather at night to read and spend time quality time. Their desire for deep color and bold pattern allowed us to create a casual space that is both warm and inviting at the end of a long day. Guests often visit and stay for a bit. They wanted to give their family and friends the same cozy feel in their guest bedroom. We were able to use a combination of patterns, textures and colors with our custom-made bedding and pillows. We also love to repurpose where we can and painted furniture is a great place to start. The depth of color used here is a true reflection of our clients' warm and friendly personality that says "welcome to our home." Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639 Neil Landino Photography

This project was kick-started by the removal of a large intrusive peninsula that competed with the young family’s bustling daily routine. Having already experienced the time investment of a sweat equity remodel, our clients enlisted us to do things a bit different while still paying careful attention to their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs. The design sought to recreate a kitchen layout that would encourage gathering and create a welcoming space for friends and family, young and old. To open things up, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was eliminated. But we chose to retain and added on architectural elements to maintain a sense of intimate space within the new open concept. Those architectural elements were a creative way to accommodate existing structural elements and respect the bones of the home. The chunky early 00s arches were squared off for a more modern feel that better aligned with the client’s style. The hub of the home centers around the large walnut island featuring storage on three sides and seating for four. Handmade tile from Heath Ceramic creates a bold focal point. To ensure the space was bright and open, we opted for the two-tone mix of walnut and white cabinetry. The walnut cabinetry grounds the island and adds a touch of symmetry by flanking either side of the gas range. A new broom closet offers visual separation between the kitchen and the garage entry. Just of the garage door are a set of three tall cabinets that have been configured as locker storage for their kid's book bags, jackers, and shoes. Opposite the lockers is an overflow pantry space, window seat with extra storage, a nook for the dog bowls, and a mail station. A glass table in front of the window seat turns this area into the perfect homework nook. A set of three glass pendants from Pottery Barn illuminate the island. The soft white countertops are Daltile’s, Lincoln White matte quartz. Sleek cabinetry pulls from Amerock add that final touch. We are so in love with this cheerful, inviting main-level and are so happy our clients get to create memories inside these walls!

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

Every bit of space in this whimsically elegant kitchen was used to add storage and create inviting seating options for this busy family to gather in their new kitchen. Photos by Photo Art Portraits

Truth be told, there's a bit of everything in this living room design, but it all makes sense with the right elements. From afar, you get a modern urban aesthetic with mid-century touches. Still, you'll notice some small eclectic features and Scandinavian shapes for a truly unique living room space if you see closely. Two rugs are used to help define the areas. A pair of comfortable armchairs and a beautiful brass arch lamp create an intimate conversation zone in front of the fireplace, which can easily be shifted slightly for larger social gatherings. Soft upholstered ottomans provide both table surfaces and additional seating options; the round cushioned surfaces are great for kids. The artwork features abstract forms and a neutral color palette to bring back that urban modern design aesthetic we wanted for the whole room.

This Cape Cod Back elevation turned our great. We love the materials chosen for this design. The rounded wall makes for an interesting interior space for eating and gathering.

This new build Steamboat Springs hotel has an elevated level of luxury with a down-home vibe, so guests can feel welcome to stay awhile. With the ski mountain in view and minutes away from downtown shopping and dining, this hotel is a great option for a little bit of everything Steamboat has to offer. The main gathering areas inspire connections, relaxation and comfort, so we brought in color and soft textures for warmth, lit by modern fixtures and an ambient glow at the bar to set the mood. We incorporated touches of glamour through tile, lighting and upholstery with an overall casual feel, that is still inviting after a long day of skiing and on a Friday night, for an after-dinner hangout. See the project here: https://rumordesigns.com/new-build-hotel

This client was so much fun to design for. Their project was all about color, texture and creating a master bedroom and guest bedroom that compliments their passion for traveling and eclectic style. We created a seating area in the master bedroom where the family can gather at night to read and spend time quality time. Their desire for deep color and bold pattern allowed us to create a casual space that is both warm and inviting at the end of a long day. Guests often visit and stay for a bit. They wanted to give their family and friends the same cozy feel in their guest bedroom. We were able to use a combination of patterns, textures and colors with our custom-made bedding and pillows. We also love to repurpose where we can and painted furniture is a great place to start. The depth of color used here is a true reflection of our clients' warm and friendly personality that says "welcome to our home." Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639 Neil Landino Photography

Caroline and Rich's backyard was lacking any clearly defined spaces for their many expected outdoor activities. Their new hot tub deck and surrounding built in seating create a space to soak in the their new hot tub and for friends and family to gather around the soakers without getting wet themselves. Space to heat up after a dip when in their windy backyard was necessary too, thus the space for a firetable and added seating flank a large deck-topped boulder feature. The family's new outdoor dining pavillion has ample space for large group get together, as well as serving for everyday lunches without having to shift any of the outdoor office setup. A built in grill and bench create an ideal stopping point for this structure, which is built right up to a rear utility easement. Fortunately only a bit of upligthing is needed to perfect a grove of existing bamboo that fills the space between this backstop and their back fence!

Just because your ceilings are a bit low in your basement and you have a very old house, it doesn't mean you can not do anything with it. This basement has been transformed into a great gathering space/mudroom/guest room/guest bathroom adding a new level of living space for the house. Although the cabinetry is contemporary, the existing exposed brick and beam bring character and warmth to the new space.

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

The rich cherry cabinets and creamy natural stone create a traditional statement, while maintaining a light and bright overall feel. The stacked cabinets have glass inserts at the top which allows the cabinets to extend to the ceiling without feeling top heavy. The marble backsplash is complimented by glass tile accents that add to the space without overwhelming it. The glass brings a bit of whimsy to the overall traditional space. The large windows and patio doors bring in a great presence of natural light and take advantage of the sweeping ocean views. High end appliances, including a wine cooler and an induction cook top allow this family to cook with ease. Ample storage and counter space allow for large gatherings of family and friends, or just a quiet evening at home.