Search results for "Grade update" in Home Design Ideas

Project Description: Warm Modern Kitchen + Bath Refresh
This kitchen remodel blends warm, rich materials with durable, modern functionality. We elevated the space with custom cherry wood cabinetry, bringing timeless elegance and a sense of craftsmanship to the heart of the home. The countertops and full-height backsplash feature Mystere Gold Quartz from ARC Surfaces—a creamy, ivory-toned quartz with subtle gold veining. This material is not only visually striking but also non-porous, stain-resistant, and low maintenance—ideal for everyday use.
Fixtures include a Kohler Vibrant Stainless kitchen faucet, Kohler undermount single-bowl sink, and flat black cabinet hardware, all sourced through Solutions Bath & Flooring in collaboration with KellyJo. The hardwood flooring throughout was carefully sanded, refinished, and stained using a custom mix from DuraSeal, adding depth and warmth to every step.
For the bathroom, we kept the updates minimal yet impactful: we installed a new vanity top using the same quartz, Moen Doux brushed nickel faucets, and Kohler Caxton undermount sinks—all also sourced through Solutions Bath & Flooring. The continuity in materials ties the spaces together and maintains a clean, cohesive aesthetic.
Design & Build:
Veron Builders LLC + Boulder Design Group
Vendors & Materials:
Cabinetry: Custom Cherry
Countertops/Backsplash: Mystere Gold Quartz – ARC Surfaces
Kitchen Fixtures: Kohler via Solutions Bath & Flooring
Bathroom Fixtures: Moen + Kohler via Solutions Bath & Flooring
Hardwood Floors: Refinished & custom-stained – DuraSeal
This project is a beautiful example of how selective upgrades and premium materials can completely transform the look and feel of a home while maintaining warmth, function, and personal style.

Carpet grade stairs that have been reclad to give an updated appearance.
Painted stringers and risers. Wood treads, rails and newel post.
Metal spindles in plain and stretch basket

Add a MirrorMate 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. @nissalynninteriors used Cherokee Montauk Sand for this beautiful, unified look.
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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 ...

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. See all 65+ frames styles available.
MirrorMate bathroom transformation using Mediterra Glazed Earth frame

This full-yard renovation replaced aging flagstone and plants with a clean, modern, and low-maintenance layout — all designed with intention.
Here’s what we delivered:
- Removed old flagstone decking, retaining walls, curbing, grass, palms & a large ficus
- Cleared + graded the yard and prepped for a fresh layout
- Installed a fully updated irrigation system — valves, timer, pressure regulator, PVC & bubblers
- Laid 460 sq ft of travertine decking with a 3-piece pattern + matching borders and stair pads
- Built a 17’ CMU block wall with 3 columns, smooth stucco finish, and travertine cap
- Installed LED lighting: path lights, tree spots, and courtyard ledge lighting
- Planted 15 desert-adapted plants and a statement 36" box Sonoran Emerald
- Installed 380 sq ft of 80oz Daytona synthetic turf for year-round green
- Finished with Table Mesa Brown granite and boulder accents for contrast and texture

Kitchen:
Door Style: Edgewater
Construction: International+/Full Overlay
Wood Type: Hickory
Finish: Tawny
Island:
Door Style: Edgewater
Construction: International+/Full Overlay
Wood Type: Paint Grade
Paint: Showplace Paints - Dark Night
After more than 15 years in their home, it was time for an upgrade. The homeowners loved the area where they lived and the unique, fabulous view it provided. Their trees were maturing beautifully, and recent landscaping improvements provided cherished outdoor living space.
Although the owners had designed and built this to be the home of their dreams, those dreams changed over time. It all began with a discussion about "flipping the kitchen and dining room" in order to create one grand, yet cozy living space that encouraged togetherness, for either small or large gatherings. That discussion evolved into a more significant remodel that surpassed their expectations.
Relocating the two primary rooms, kitchen and dining, afforded the opportunity to re-imagine other supporting spaces. A new walk-in pantry was added and the laundry, mud, and powder room areas were completely redefined. Additional finishing touches were added to the living/family room area, including removing a corner fireplace and building a new, larger fireplace in the center of the room surrounded by Showplace bookcase units.
In the end, the owners got a lodge-inspired space that made them fall in love with their home all over again.

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

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 frame is the Newport Weathered White.

This full home transformation in Hayward, California, blends warm minimalism with intelligent design and high-end finishes. Casa Utopia Builders worked closely with the homeowner to deliver a modern sanctuary featuring a fully remodeled kitchen, three spa-style bathrooms, a new open-concept living area, and extensive updates throughout.
Kitchen Remodel
Custom Shaker-style cabinetry with soft-close doors
Quartz slab countertops with full backsplash
Professional-grade range, vent hood, and pot filler
Matte black faucet, oversized undermount sink, and pendant lighting
Integrated seating with rattan-backed island stools

Deleting the blind base cabinets and peninsula to make room for a free-standing island gave the client more efficient storage and a better space for entertaining. Light fixtures were updated and LED undercounter lighting provides task lighting for food prep and ambient lighting for after dinner. Builder-grade white backsplash and floor tile were replaced with contemporary tiles. New stainless steel appliances complete this transitional kitchen. Cameo by Louie the Cat.
Yorktowne Maple Everet Wheat with Burnt Sienna Highlight. Berenson Deco hardware 9450-1BPN. Cambria Windermere countertops. Danze Melrose stainless steel pull-down faucet. Progress lighting Wisten chandelier, pendant and 3-light track. LED strip undercounter lighting. Insinkerator Badger 900 disposal.

Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home.
The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home.
The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet.
Project Team:
Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge
Nate Dodge

This kitchen had a boring builder grade kitchen. There was not too much we could do to change the layout, but we did want to open up the space so we opened up the wall between the dining room and kitchen. Then we extended the wall between the patio door and window to give it more space since we lost the other wall. The end result is open, bright and very updated AND the kitty loves it too!

Mackey Builders: Located just north of Highway 24, the neighborhood of Hiller Highlands was rebuilt shortly after being ravaged by the 1991 Oakland fires. The client, who is an artist, recently purchased her two-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath townhouse on Treasure Hill intending to completely renovate the interior before moving in. Her goal was to have a home that reflected her eclectic and modern aesthetics; working with Mackey Builders, Inc., she was able to realize her vision.
Updating the kitchen was a top priority for the owner, as she is a gourmet cook. Collaborating with Stacey to create a design that was streamlined and functional, she chose quartz countertops and a natural stone backsplash to replace the ceramic counters and backsplash original to the home. She exchanged contractor-grade appliances for a Miele double oven, cooktop, and dishwasher, and purchased a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a glass door. Open shelving was integrated into the design so that the owner could display her beautiful ceramic collection. When designing the kitchen's custom cabinetry, Stacey chose a horizontal wood grain to balance the room's high ceilings. He also suggested removing a small bar area in order to expand the kitchen.
Amber Flooring was brought in to resurface the hardwood floors and the Mackey Builders team replaced windows and doors, upgraded the lighting, painted all interior walls, and installed more modern trim details. In the master bath, guest bather, and powder room, they installed new quartz countertops, sinks, and custom cabinets. Bathroom walls were hand-plastered in neutral tones that show subtle variations in color.
In the living room, the wood-burning fireplace, mantel, and built-in shelving were removed and replaced with a sleek high efficiency gas fireplace set into a wall of black large format tile. In keeping the owner's eclectic taste, a new stair railing made of custom-milled maple, wire rope, and acid-etched steel was designed and built. Because the owner loves to draw, Stacey came up with the idea of painting a wall in the dining area with blackboard paint and framing it. He then added a ceramic skull and lights; the finished product is a unique and changeable art installation that is also a focal point for the room.
While this project began as an interior remodel, it expanded to include a fence and siding replacement.
About Mackey Builders, Inc.
Mackey Builders, an award-winning contracting firm, has been in business for over 30 years and is proud to have completed hundreds of remodeling projects in the East Bay, San Francisco, and Marin County. An artist by nature, Stacey has an exquisite eye for detail and creates designs that are as beautiful as they are functional. Client satisfaction is paramount; he is always willing to "go the extra mile" to ensure the finished product meets both the client's and his own exacting standards.

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

After contemplating whether to move or remodel, the owners of this 1991 Burnsville home decided to stay and build the character and function they wanted into their current home. Builder grade oak cabinets were replaced by custom cherry and dark enameled cabinets. They decided to upgrade the powder room as long as they were working on the kitchen. A slate tile floor and custom cherry vanity made the powder room look fresh and updated.

We had the pleasure of working with a sweet retired couple in Hermitage to bring warm cottage charm to their new home. This living room update reimagined a builder-grade fireplace wall with a thoughtfully designed layout, color palette, and custom built-in finishes, creating a feature wall that set the tone for the entire space. Soft green cabinetry, shiplap, warm wood accents, and tailored built-ins add character and function while anchoring the room. The result is a cozy, inviting living room filled with charm and intention, brought to life in collaboration with Maple & Oak Construction.

Time had stood still at this 1970s ranch in Armonk when the owners invited us to collaborate with them to transform it into a modern, light-filled home for their young family. The budget was lean, so economy was a primary consideration for every design decision. The challenge was to identify the modest home’s virtues – vaulted ceilings and a lovely backyard – and accentuate them by strategically optimizing available funds.
We were tasked with rectifying a dysfunctional interior stair, connecting to the outdoors with new large windows, and updating the exterior. We focused our attention on a finite set of architectural moves which would have the biggest impact and improve our clients’ daily experience of the home. Detailing was kept simple, using common grade materials and standard components. All exterior walls were revamped with new windows and siding. Although these materials were not particularly costly, thoughtful layout of boards, battens, and openings produced a cohesive, rigorous composition at each facade.
Since the budget would not cover the homeowners’ complete wish list, some items were bracketed for subsequent phases. The challenge was to establish a framework that would allow future work – including a new roof and kitchen renovation – to proceed smoothly.
The homeowners, both scientists, were enthusiastic collaborators, contributing their outstanding design sensibilities to selection of fixtures and finishes. Construction ended just in time for the arrival of their baby – and with that, the transformation of their family home was complete.

Kitchen:
Door Style: Edgewater
Construction: International+/Full Overlay
Wood Type: Hickory
Finish: Tawny
Island:
Door Style: Edgewater
Construction: International+/Full Overlay
Wood Type: Paint Grade
Paint: Showplace Paints - Dark Night
After more than 15 years in their home, it was time for an upgrade. The homeowners loved the area where they lived and the unique, fabulous view it provided. Their trees were maturing beautifully, and recent landscaping improvements provided cherished outdoor living space.
Although the owners had designed and built this to be the home of their dreams, those dreams changed over time. It all began with a discussion about "flipping the kitchen and dining room" in order to create one grand, yet cozy living space that encouraged togetherness, for either small or large gatherings. That discussion evolved into a more significant remodel that surpassed their expectations.
Relocating the two primary rooms, kitchen and dining, afforded the opportunity to re-imagine other supporting spaces. A new walk-in pantry was added and the laundry, mud, and powder room areas were completely redefined. Additional finishing touches were added to the living/family room area, including removing a corner fireplace and building a new, larger fireplace in the center of the room surrounded by Showplace bookcase units.
In the end, the owners got a lodge-inspired space that made them fall in love with their home all over again.

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

Custom bathroom renovation and update. Site: pines West condo unit Oakland, FL Scope: New shower with tile work, toilet , Floor tile, plumbing and grading of floors, custom woodwork, vanities and more.

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.

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection.
"The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs."
The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go.
"Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing."
The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined.
"She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that."
Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean."
Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit."
The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space."
After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green.
The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living.
"The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'"
However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas.
The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture."
The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with new, white contemporary cabinetry, quartz countertops mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color.
The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern.
In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches.
The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever.
"Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs).
"We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."
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