Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. 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

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, white backsplash, white appliances, an island and white countertops

This transitional kitchen combines rustic warmth with lots of light, creating a welcoming space for your family and friends! Along with UltraCraft Cabinetry's Evanston wood door style in Oak with the new Platinum Grey stain, you'll find some of the latest organizational accessories from Century Wood Components that have been made specifically for our full-access, frameless cabinetry. Photography by TC Studios

Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds. 'Island Pink' yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink') with woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum).
Inspiration for a landscaping in San Francisco.

Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard gravel and wood fence water fountain landscape in Other.

This whole house remodel integrated the kitchen with the dining room, entertainment center, living room and a walk in pantry. We remodeled a guest bathroom, and added a drop zone in the front hallway dining.

Stephani Buchman
Example of a large trendy master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Toronto with white walls

http://www.catherineandmcclure.com/northshorecolonial.html Danielle McClure is the daughter of Catherine Skaletsky, both Boston interior designers at the firm Catherine & McClure. Danielle and her husband, Matt moved into the house and the design process began immediately and took about 6 months to complete. The project involved creating an open concept, which is unusual for a 1960’s, center entrance colonial. Every room was painted, the kids’ bathroom was wallpapered, new window treatments all over, new rugs, and all new furniture. 3,000 SF. #bostoninteriordesigners

Techplan house interior designed by STUDIO KONDE Konrad Idaszewski Architekt, combining contemporary architecture with a warm, carefully balanced interior. Project details: https://conde.pl/portfolio/gotowy-projekt-wnetrz-domu-techplan/ . The Techplan concept belongs to the Modelowedomy collection of three individually configurable houses and is defined by a modern flat roof and an open living space connecting the lounge, dining area and kitchen. For clients looking for an interior architect in Poznań, the project demonstrates how a generous open-plan layout can remain comfortable and clearly organized. Warm oak cabinetry, soft grey upholstery, dark accents and extensive glazing create a calm and sophisticated living environment. The restrained palette gives the interior a timeless quality. Carefully placed furniture and lighting define the individual functions without closing the space into separate rooms. A large sectional sofa in light grey-beige fabric occupies the foreground. Deep seats, broad cushions and generous proportions create a relaxed lounge arrangement. Several loosely positioned cushions add texture and a casual residential feel. In front of the sofa, two round coffee tables introduce a sculptural accent. Both have smooth light-coloured tops and cylindrical bases formed from a fine vertical lattice. Their different sizes create a layered composition over the dark textured rug. Facing the seating area, a large flat-screen television stands freely in front of the glazed façade. Two tall, narrow speakers flank the screen on minimalist white bases. This freestanding arrangement keeps the media zone visually light. It also leaves the garden visible through the windows behind it. Further inside, the kitchen is integrated into a wall of warm oak-toned cabinetry. Full-height timber fronts create a strong architectural backdrop. A dark stone backsplash with expressive light veining introduces a contrasting horizontal band. Concealed LED lighting runs along its upper edge and softly illuminates the work surface. Black pendant lighting adds another dark accent above the kitchen and dining zones. The dining area sits naturally between the kitchen and living room. A rounded table and softly upholstered chairs continue the neutral palette. Their curved silhouettes contrast with the linear cabinetry. Warm timber surfaces provide visual continuity between the two functional zones. Large glazed openings extend across the side of the living area. Mature trees, lawn and a white vertical fence are visible outside. Natural daylight emphasizes the grain of the oak cabinetry and the textures of the upholstery, rug and coffee-table bases. The resulting Techplan interior combines open-plan functionality with a refined material palette and a strong connection to the garden, reflecting the residential interior design work of STUDIO KONDE in Poznań.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

The old kitchen was outdated, cramped and had inefficient storage. It didn’t flow well with the rest of the home nor serve the needs of the family of four, who like to entertain and host the neighborhood kids on a regular basis. The client desired a large open concept kitchen with multiple zones for cooking, prep and cleanup that complimented the style of her home. She desired large pantry areas with easy access, a table area that could seat 6, as well as separate snack zone for the kids. The new kitchen design is an open concept space that combines the existing kitchen with a rarely used dining area and large walk-in closet. Distinct and separate cook, cleanup and prep zones, appeal to the cook while a separate snack area behind one of the barn doors is geared towards the children. Convenience items such as dual refrigerator drawers at one end of the island and a wine fridge at the other appeal to adults and kids alike. White perimeter cabinetry with a subtle moldings and grey glaze adds softness and sophistication, while stunning black painted islands ground the center of the space. Texture is added in the warm wood floors, gorgeous Super White Quartz countertop and variegated marble backsplash. The icing on the cake is brought in with a little glitz and shine thru the pendant lighting and chrome accents. The rays of the existing half circle window were the inspiration for the X detail which is repeated throughout the space in the glass door mullions, pantry barn doors, and tile feature area over the cooktop.

The Kipling house is a new addition to the Montrose neighborhood. Designed for a family of five, it allows for generous open family zones oriented to large glass walls facing the street and courtyard pool. The courtyard also creates a buffer between the master suite and the children's play and bedroom zones. The master suite echoes the first floor connection to the exterior, with large glass walls facing balconies to the courtyard and street. Fixed wood screens provide privacy on the first floor while a large sliding second floor panel allows the street balcony to exchange privacy control with the study. Material changes on the exterior articulate the zones of the house and negotiate structural loads.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

The old kitchen was outdated, cramped and had inefficient storage. It didn’t flow well with the rest of the home nor serve the needs of the family of four, who like to entertain and host the neighborhood kids on a regular basis. The client desired a large open concept kitchen with multiple zones for cooking, prep and cleanup that complimented the style of her home. She desired large pantry areas with easy access, a table area that could seat 6, as well as separate snack zone for the kids. The new kitchen design is an open concept space that combines the existing kitchen with a rarely used dining area and large walk-in closet. Distinct and separate cook, cleanup and prep zones, appeal to the cook while a separate snack area behind one of the barn doors is geared towards the children. Convenience items such as dual refrigerator drawers at one end of the island and a wine fridge at the other appeal to adults and kids alike. White perimeter cabinetry with a subtle moldings and grey glaze adds softness and sophistication, while stunning black painted islands ground the center of the space. Texture is added in the warm wood floors, gorgeous Super White Quartz countertop and variegated marble backsplash. The icing on the cake is brought in with a little glitz and shine thru the pendant lighting and chrome accents. The rays of the existing half circle window were the inspiration for the X detail which is repeated throughout the space in the glass door mullions, pantry barn doors, and tile feature area over the cooktop.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.