This was a top-to-bottom remodel. By opening up the kitchen walls, expanding the great room, and adding patio doors to the master bedroom, we did more than update this beach home for modern living. We also highlighted the home's best feature — breathtaking views of the ocean. "One of the things we that really liked about working with Len and the team is that they would always listen to what we were asking to have done and help us understand how it could be done. But they would also share with us great ideas about other things that we could do. And oftentimes we definitely went the direction that they suggested." — Al & Eileen, homeowners

Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Los Angeles with wooden risers

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

The Great Room is open to the casual dining area and Kitchen. These three rooms create a seamless area for socializing with family and during parties with friends.

Dale Hall Photography. LLC Dura Supreme Cabinetry Cushman Construction LLC
Trendy u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Milwaukee with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, green backsplash and an island

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

Staging & Photos by: Betsy Konaxis, BK Classic Collections Home Stagers
Mid-sized elegant open concept and formal light wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Boston with green walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in Minneapolis

A traditional girly master bathroom with gorgeous brass accents. Two antique mirros line up perfectly, one for the sink and the other for the makeup area. The shower has beautiful feature tile that is outlined in brass.

In this photo the back of the house can be seen. The Arctic White trim allows for a lot of dimension to be seen and gives the home a very modern look.

Photo Credit: Myles Burnett
Large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Miami with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

New floor plan increased storage space and allowed for 2-sink vanity (to replace small 1-sink vanity.) Photo by Brian Yungblut Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Tobi Brockway Interiors. For information about our work, please visit www.tbinteriors.ca

Countertop: Viatera® quartz Soprano
Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Atlanta

Bathroom - small transitional master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.

Stone spheres interspersed with round and conical boxwoods add a contemporary touch and draw the eye down the central axis in the front yard. Photo by Jay Sifford.

(After Shot) Vaulted living room and kitchen ceiling with exposed beams, and Tongue and Groove (t&g) ceiling planks. Brand new, white shaker kitchen cabinets, butcher block island and countertops, and exposed hardwood floors. Huge windows to bring in the natural light and to feel the open space. Brand new recessed lightings to give the room a much better ambiance and a set of stainless steel pendant lights for that clean finish.

Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.