Search results for "Grade update" in Home Design Ideas

The existing kitchen was closed off, which necessitated several space-related compromises that affected many aspects of daily life.
Design Objectives:
• Open the tiny kitchen to living space
• Maintain the dining area
• Create a family room/TV space
• Increase kitchen storage and work surface
• Improve lighting
• Upgrade appliances to ‘chef grade’
Biggest Design Challenge:
• Our main challenge was to add a family room/TV area while maintaining a dining space. Prior to the remodel, the homeowners were using a TV room on their third floor, which was less than ideal.
Taking down the kitchen wall and opening up the area to the adjacent living space made a big difference. The repurposed former dining room works well as a TV space. The former breakfast nook was updated with a new table that allows for casual dining on a daily basis, but is expandable for parties and holidays. Kitchen storage was expanded with island and ceiling-height cabinetry. Kitchen island seating and the open floor plan have definitely changed the quality of day-to-day life – the cook no longer feels isolated and now enjoys preparing meals while spending time with friends.

The lifestyle of living on Lake Washington is naturally inclined towards entertaining and outdoor living. However, the homeowners of this Kirkland residence found that occupying the exterior space was difficult in part because there were few spaces that were protected from the harsh western exposure. They longed for a covered patio and more.
Conversations and designs focused on creating a four-season space that addressed the high-exposure demands of the site while also providing a comfortable space to relax and entertain.
The concept of extending the existing second floor level deck as a way to provide protection emerged as an early solution in the process. With the use of natural stone pavers and treads, the existing lower level patio was nearly doubled in usable area with different zones for intimate or large gatherings. The stone treads transition gracefully into the landscaped portion of the site.
The deck above was expanded upon and resurfaced with a low maintenance porcelain pedestal paver system. A glass panel railing is constructed without a top rail, which allows for views of the water to remain unobstructed while sitting or standing.
A custom outdoor fireplace was designed to act as a central focal point and to provide definition for the gathering spaces. The concrete mass is punctured through with a two-way fireplace, providing visual and bodily warmth for
year-round comfort and use of the space.
An updated, modernized outdoor kitchen was a necessity for larger gatherings. Durable yet elegant surfaces were required for this high use area. Cabinetry incorporates Parklex wood panels that are sustainably sourced and finished for long-term durability. Countertops and backsplash were comprised of an exterior-grade porcelain slab. Stainless steel appliances complete a low maintenance workspace.
Energy efficient products were mindful components of this project. New and dimmable LED recessed and indirect lighting provides illumination for entertaining late into the night. Tread lighting provides a beacon of light for returning boaters coming in from the lake.
The homeowner shared their pleasure with their new spaces commenting that the design seamlessly integrates with the existing house. They find themselves enjoying and using their outdoor spaces more thoroughly and on a daily basis. The surprise for them was the unintended additional space resulting from the expanded deck above.

The Master Bathroom was the only room in this lovely Fredericksburg home that needed updating. As the second owners of this property, our clients were unhappy with the contractor grade selections that the original homeowners made in this room. They came to us with a few requests-- they wanted to expand the shower and remove an awkward column between the vanities as well as replace the tile in all the areas.
We used Cambria Somerset quartz on the counters because it harmonized nicely with the colors in the mosaic tile accent used in the shower and on the face of the soaking tub. We chose the same Happy Floors Eternity tile in Gold but used various sizes for the floor and in the shower and on the tub deck, which contributed to the relaxing, spa-like atmosphere of the space. A rich and warm earth tone for the walls (Benjamin Moore’s Rich Clay Brown) was the final element in creating a beautiful Master Bathroom to complete an already lovely home.
Find the right local pro for your project

When a professional office space needs to make a lasting impression on clients and create an inspiring environment for staff, the design details matter just as much as they do at home. This thoughtful commercial interior refresh transformed a dated, purely functional office into a warm, sophisticated, and beautifully layered space — one that feels more like a high-end boutique or luxury residence than a typical workplace.
The guiding philosophy throughout was clear: every space, no matter how utilitarian its purpose, deserves intentional design. From the reception corridor to the staff break room, from the client restrooms to the storage corridor, each area received careful attention to finish, color, and texture.
Restrooms Reimagined
The two client-facing restrooms were the most dramatic transformations in the project. Rather than the builder-grade wallpaper and basic fixtures typically found in commercial spaces, both were treated as true design moments.
The first features floor-to-ceiling wallpaper in a rich taupe with a delicate white botanical branch pattern, creating an immersive, jewel-box feel. A white shaker vanity with dark granite countertop grounds the space, while an arched frameless mirror and brushed gold wall sconce add glamour. A tall gold and glass etagere serves as both decorative storage and a sculptural element, styled with woven baskets, greenery, and stacked accessories. Framed landscape watercolor art adds a serene, organic note, and a freestanding brass toilet paper holder elevates a typically overlooked detail.
The second restroom takes an entirely different but equally compelling direction — soft, dusty blue-grey grasscloth-style wallpaper printed with a tone-on-tone chevron leaf stripe wraps every wall, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere. A weathered wood console provides casual charm beneath a large-scale botanical tulip artwork in sage and cream. The wall-mount sink with exposed plumbing adds an intentional, editorial touch. An arched mirror with a sleek multi-bulb bar sconce in brushed nickel completes the look, while a pair of sculptural brass branch wall sculptures mounted directly to the wallpaper serve as unexpected, memorable art.
Storage Made Beautiful
The internal storage corridor received a full wall of custom floor-to-ceiling white shaker cabinetry with chrome pulls, flanked by open shelving sections for accessible display and storage. Clean, crisp, and highly organized — this space proves that even a purely functional corridor can be architectural and refined.
The Break Room & Kitchenette
The staff break room was updated with white shaker cabinetry, light speckled granite countertops, stainless appliances — including a French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and over-counter microwave — and warm sage green walls that bring a restful, refreshing energy to the space. Dark hardwood luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the room, warming the look considerably. A round walnut dining table with upholstered chairs creates a proper gathering space for the team, and framed landscape oil art in an ornate gold frame adds a touch of collected character to the room.
Reception & Corridor Details
The reception and corridor spaces were treated with deep navy blue paint — bold, sophisticated, and unexpected in a commercial setting. A large abstract landscape painting in warm blues, blush, and gold hangs in a gilded frame against the navy wall, making an immediate statement. A brass and lucite table lamp sits on a floating brass-trimmed shelf alongside a sculptural art object, creating a vignette that communicates creativity and intentionality from the moment clients arrive.
The result is a professional environment that communicates confidence, taste, and care — one that clients will remember long after their visit, and one that staff will genuinely enjoy working in every day.

This project centered on helping a wonderful client and her equally fantastic dog transform her condo into a space that truly reflected her style and simplified her life. Eager to create a home that was both beautiful and functional, she envisioned a haven in the heart of the city.
Before: Feeling Disconnected
Before the renovation, our client felt disconnected from her condo. The builder-grade kitchen was a constant source of frustration, with an awkward peninsula that hindered the flow of the space. The condo overall felt outdated and no longer captured her vibrant personality. The foyer and laundry areas were cramped and lacked organization, while the mismatched hardwood flooring only added to the disjointed atmosphere. As for the bathrooms, they felt frozen in time, desperately needing an update.
Worries and Concerns
Like many homeowners, our client had heard her fair share of renovation horror stories—tales of projects gone awry and the frustrations of managing multiple contractors. She was understandably cautious and needed a trustworthy, experienced team she could rely on to handle the project with care and expertise.
The Solution: A Personalized Transformation
We took the time to listen carefully to our client’s needs and concerns and developed a tailored plan to address each of her pain points. For the kitchen, we preserved the existing layout but reimagined the space entirely. The awkward peninsula was redesigned to improve traffic flow and provide much-needed storage and counter space. Clever storage solutions, such as pull-outs, shelving, concealed drawers in the toe kicks, and an appliance garage, were incorporated. The kitchen now boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with light wood-tone lower cabinetry, off-white upper cabinets, and brushed nickel hardware that ties it all together.
The laundry room, once cramped and chaotic, was transformed into an organized, efficient space. We added custom cabinetry with pull-outs for hanging clothes, open storage above, a laundry sink, and a spacious counter for folding—no more piles of laundry!
Both the en-suite and shared bathrooms underwent complete renovations. Custom cabinetry was installed, including a floor-to-ceiling linen closet, and light grey and brown-toned tiles were selected, with contrasting hexagonal tiles for the shower floor. A heated flooring system was added for luxury and comfort year-round.
The mismatched flooring throughout the condo was replaced with cohesive vinyl and porcelain tiles, creating a seamless, modern aesthetic throughout the space.
Overcoming Challenges
As with any renovation, there were challenges to navigate. One of the key obstacles was managing the condo board’s renovation rules and policies while coordinating the delivery schedules for finishes and fixtures, especially during the busy holiday season. With careful planning, we ensured the project stayed on track. Additionally, we encountered a height variation between the tile and vinyl flooring. To resolve this, we used self-leveling material under the vinyl, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between the two flooring types.
The Grand Reveal: A Dream Come True
The final result is simply stunning. The kitchen is now a chef’s dream, with custom-built cabinets, smooth quartz countertops, and a matching stone backsplash. Brushed nickel and stainless steel plumbing fixtures, elegant cabinet hardware, and LED lighting under the upper cabinets add the perfect finishing touches. Custom organizers in the foyer and laundry closets provide ample storage and keep everything neatly in place. The bathrooms have been transformed into spa-like retreats, with beautiful porcelain tiles and custom cabinetry. The new vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas and bedroom unifies the space, creating a cohesive and modern atmosphere.
Life Transformed
Our client’s life has been completely transformed. As a passionate cook, she now relishes spending time in her beautiful and functional kitchen. The single-bowl sink makes cleanup a breeze, and the thoughtfully designed storage solutions have brought a sense of calm and order to her home. The refreshed flooring and neutral paint palette have created a relaxing, comfortable environment she truly loves.
A Memorable Journey
This project was more than just a renovation—it was a collaboration. Our client valued our guidance throughout the design process, particularly when faced with the overwhelming number of decisions. We built a strong relationship with her, and we are immensely grateful for the trust she placed in our team.

Simply apply a MirrorMate frame to your existing bathroom mirror in just minutes. The do-it-yourself frame kit is easy to install and ships to your door. It'll transform your builder's grade mirror and add quality, custom detailing to the room and is designed to cover the clips that hold your mirror. It also covers the de-silvering edge in the process. See all 65+ frames styles available and order samples to help pick the right look for your room. This bathroom was finished with a Cherokee Barnwood frame, simply applied to the mirror.

This traditional kitchen features luxury details like custom turned columns and bespoke moldings. The walnut range hood and surround add a beautiful focal point to this classic design.
design by Kinsella Kitchens & Baths
photos by Robin Victor Goetz
DOOR - Bordeaux Inset (perimeter) | Custom Door (island)
WOOD SPECIES - Walnut (range hood) | Paint Grade (perimeter/island)
FINISH - Oxford Walnut Stain w/ Black Burnishing (range hood) | Custom Paint w/ Cafe Siena Burnishing (perimeter) | Canyon Paint (island)

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
HomeCraft Remodeling
Custom Craftsmanship & Build Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

This bright contemporary kitchen remodel features crisp white shaker cabinetry, light countertops, and professional-grade stainless steel appliances including a built-in double wall oven. The unique peninsula layout incorporates a drop-in gas cooktop and a sleek ceiling-mounted chimney hood, creating a highly functional, open prep zone that doesn't block sightlines. Finished with durable light wood flooring and ample storage solutions, this updated space perfectly supports efficient everyday cooking and easy family interaction.

This remodeled kitchen showcases a modern and elegant design highlighted by custom shaker-style cabinets with soft-close doors and drawers, providing both functionality and a timeless look. The upper and lower cabinetry is complemented by sleek gold hardware, giving the space a touch of warmth and sophistication.
The countertops are finished in a light quartz surface, extending into a full waterfall edge at the peninsula bar seating area, creating a seamless and luxurious flow. Behind the counters, a vertical subway-style tile backsplash in a muted green hue adds rich texture and contrast, enhancing the contemporary feel of the space.
A deep white farmhouse sink serves as a striking focal point beneath the kitchen window, paired with a modern pull-down faucet. Above the sink, a dedicated light fixture provides task lighting, while recessed LED lights and a ceiling fan ensure the kitchen is well-lit and comfortable. Special decorative sconces and open wood shelves on one wall add both charm and practicality for display and storage.
The flooring has been updated with new tile, providing durability and a clean finish throughout the space. The soffit at the entrance of the kitchen was removed, creating a more open and inviting layout that visually expands the room. Custom doors have been installed to conceal the water heater closet, blending seamlessly with the cabinetry design.
High-end stainless steel appliances complete the remodel, including a professional-grade gas range with a vent hood, a built-in dishwasher, and a premium refrigerator with paneled sides to integrate into the cabinetry wall.
Overall, this remodel achieves a perfect balance of style, comfort, and practicality, with high-quality finishes and thoughtful design choices that elevate the kitchen into a refined yet welcoming heart of the home.

Add a frame to your existing bathroom mirror in just minutes. The do-it-yourself frame kit is easy to install on your pre-existing mirror. It'll transform your builder's grade mirror and add quality, custom detailing to the room and is designed to cover the clips that hold your mirror. It also covers the de-silvering edge in the process. See all 65+ frames styles available and order samples to help pick the right look for your room. This customer chose Cherokee Old Vermont Grey. Wow it looks so good!

A modest house renovation project developed into a comprehensive re-visioning of this beautiful Oakland Hills home. Working with an architect and interior designer, we transformed the residence to better suit the clients' lifestyle.
At the front entry of the property, we improved functionality and appeal. We achieved a more attractive approach by re-grading the site and updating materials. We also renovated the driveway and additional parking areas.

With a lengthy list of ideas about how to transform their backyard, the clients were excited to see what we could do. Existing features on site needed to be updated and in-cooperated within the design. The view from each angle of the property was already outstanding and we didn't want the design to feel out of place. We had to make the grade changes work to our advantage, each separate space had to have a purpose. The client wanted to use the property for charity events, so a large flat turf area was constructed at the back of the property, perfect for setting up tables, chairs and a stage if needed. It also created the perfect look out point into the back of the property, dropping off into a ravine. A lot of focus throughout the project was the plant selection. With a large amount of garden beds, we wanted to maintain a clean and formal look, while still offering seasonal interest. We did this by edging the beds with boxwoods, adding white hydrangeas throughout the beds for constant colour, and subtle pops of purple and yellow. This along with the already breathtaking natural backdrop of the space, is more than enough to make this project stand out.
Photographer: Jason Hartog Photography

Complete update on this 'builder-grade' 1990's primary bathroom - not only to improve the look but also the functionality of this room. Such an inspiring and relaxing space now ...

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
HomeCraft Remodeling
Custom Craftsmanship & Build Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

A beautiful mix of natural stone is showcased in this Houston outdoor kitchen project by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston.
A mix of stone is becoming more of a trend in backyard kitchens in Houston. Homeowners there use their outdoor living spaces year 'round for entertaining and want something personalized and unique to show their guests.
This outdoor kitchen island features three different kinds of stone from three different quarries. The stone comes in three colors and shapes.
The grey stone is ledgestone. It's flatter and thinner. The tasslestone is the beige, more squarish stone. And the flagstone - more of a flat slab normally used as pavers - is more brown.
As you can see, the varying stones add texture and interest to outdoor living space plans.
Together, the different stones comprise a palette called "Iron Bridge."
The Level 3 Aphrodite granite countertop adds yet another beautiful natural stone to the mix.
Natural stone doesn't need any maintenance. It's already been in the world for eons, and will continue to be.
This Houston outdoor kitchen features a commercial-grade RCS stainless steel grill, sink and accompanying appliances.
The grill is an RCS 30-inch Pro. The icemaker is UL-rated and the fridge has been updated with RCS' latest stainless steel handle and liner for better durability.
The flooring is designer stamped concrete.
Want your own outdoor living space, Houston? Contact us and get a FREE side burner and outdoor refrigerator of your own!
You can call us at (713) 569-1341.

When this Dix Hills family decided to update their 1980”s backyard pool area they called on Deck and Patio. They knew their old wood deck and red brick patios were small and unusable for parties and entertaining. But they couldn’t come up with a complete plan themselves to transform the space.
Before:
“We introduced a unique concept to deal with the large wall behind the pool, and small patio spaces,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “The idea was to remove the wood retaining wall, re-grade the slope and create a large natural waterfall, stream, and woodland garden.”
www.deckandpatio.com

Location: Vienna, VA, USA
AV Architects + Builders
Our clients wanted to update and expand their 1980 brick colonial house into something more modern. The project consisted of a complete renovation and reconfiguration of the kitchen and three baths, the relocation of their laundry room, the construction of a mudroom and a 2-level addition including a bathroom suite on the upper level.

This traditional kitchen features luxury details like custom turned columns and bespoke moldings. The walnut range hood and surround add a beautiful focal point to this classic design.
design by Kinsella Kitchens & Baths
photos by Robin Victor Goetz
DOOR - Bordeaux Inset (perimeter) | Custom Door (island)
WOOD SPECIES - Walnut (range hood) | Paint Grade (perimeter/island)
FINISH - Oxford Walnut Stain w/ Black Burnishing (range hood) | Custom Paint w/ Cafe Siena Burnishing (perimeter) | Canyon Paint (island)

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida

Eichler Orange is a stunning expression of mid-century modern architecture. The vision in modernizing this historic Eichler home with a 21st-century makeover was to honor the work of Joseph Eichler and restore it to the 1964 icon of California modernism it once was.
The clean aesthetics of this home features glass walls, post and beam, tongue and groove ceilings, and oversize porcelain tile floors throughout. The free-flowing indoor/outdoor floorplan is highlighted with a signature atrium, and all material selections were made to honor the time period. Custom cherry cabinets and warm slab walnut doors grace the interior.
This home had significant structural termite damage with three-quarters of the framing needing replacement. Additionally, the original house did not come close to meeting the current seismic codes. During reconstruction, we upgraded the post and beam structure with seismic hold-downs and concealed fasteners. The house lacked energy efficiency due to its flat roof and did not meet California’s current Title 24 energy-efficient standards. While honoring its era, this fully renovated residence is now updated with today’s energy efficiencies, including all-aluminum dual-glazed windows and doors, new spray foam insulation atop the flat roof, and tankless water heaters.
A new photovoltaic solar system was added. We abandoned the radiant floor heat and installed a new high-efficiency ductless heating and air units to each room. This increased the building’s performance and provided each room with its own thermostat and control. This system also allowed us to eliminate soffits and ductwork and maintain the exposed tongue and groove ceiling throughout the home.
The living space next to the family and dining room was repurposed to relocate the washer and dryer and allowed space to add a third bathroom. The primary bathroom was also reconfigured for a larger layout.
The sleek kitchen design includes frameless Crystal Cabinets, professional-grade Miele appliances, a large stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and a generous Caesarstone countertop workspace.
The outdoor backyard living space captures the natural beauty of Southern California and mid-century modern features, including drought-resistant landscaping with decomposed granite planter areas and all-new concrete hardscape. A new spa was added to the existing pool, along with a new BBQ area and firepit.
Photographer: Public 311 Design

After purchasing their first home, a 3-bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom condo unit in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, our clients came to us for help with updating the 1990s era interiors. On our first visit, we saw lots of golden oak - cabinets, floors, windows, trim.
We started by tearing out the inexpensive developer-grade finishes and replacing them with quality materials capable of withstanding the test of time. We designed custom cabinetry with interior fittings tailored to the particular needs of our client and assisted with the selection of all the interior finishes.
Our clients love their new home and the fact that it's interiors are as stylish as their new neighborhood.

This Fishtown rowhome refresh started with a familiar challenge: a sea of flat, builder-grade finishes in predictable “millennial gray.” Our clients wanted a home that felt layered, lived-in, and full of personality. They desired something that reflected their style, not just a resale checklist.
We reworked two full floors to bring in warmth, character, and thoughtful details. On the main level, we introduced rich textures, vintage accents, and a more intentional palette that made a statement. Powerful punches of wallpaper, uniquely different but graciously coordinating, transformed key moments into standout spaces.
Upstairs, updates to the kitchen and dining area emphasized comfort, functionality, and bold sophistication. Throughout, we layered in materials with soul: natural woods, warm metals, and handcrafted touches, all while keeping the overall footprint and layout intact. Built-ins in the living area brought much-needed storage, style, and a grounded focal point to anchor the space.
The result is a home that feels personal yet timeless. A clear departure from the gray-washed norm.
40