Interior photography of EM Interiors Chicago's spring 2015 One Room Challenge. Calling It Home's One Room Challenge is a biannual design event that challenges 20 design bloggers to transform a space over the course of the month. Photography ©2015 by Kelly Peloza Photo

A special way to keep dog dishes out from underfoot. Dogbone drawers hold treats, leashes and other supplies. Pullout cabinet on left of island holds bulk dogfood.

Example of a classic dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Minneapolis with stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and white countertops

Greg Premru Photography, Inc
Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This project involved re-working the existing interior layout to give the home a new, open concept floor plan, breaking up the feeling of four separate rooms on the first floor. We met our clients’ needs through the following: We built a designated area for their three kids to enjoy snacks and do their homework after school. There are three regular cooks in the home, so an open space was created that was suitable for 2-3 chefs to work comfortably. Because the clients love to look up new recipe and meal ideas, a separate desk area for their computer, with internet access, was created. We incorporated clients’ love of the bead board look within the cabinetry. We incorporated an accessible and aesthetically pleasing three shelf built-in space within the island to store cookbooks and other belongings. Improved previous interior lighting by adding three hanging lights over the island, updating ceiling lighting and building French doors in the dining room space. Made the kitchen open to the living room so family and guests can continuously interact. Spice storage was a concern, so we built a four row pull-out spice rack near the stove. New kitchen appliances were creatively incorporated that were not originally there. A total of four interior walls were removed to create the open concept floor plan. We faced a constraint when we had to install a structural LVL beam since we removed a load bearing wall. We also met design challenges, such as adding pantry storage, natural lighting, spice storage, trash pull-outs and enough space to comfortably fit at least three chefs in the kitchen at a time, within the existing footprint of the house. The clients had waited 11 years for a new kitchen and they didn’t want to hold back on what they really wanted. The clients finally received a creative and practical kitchen, while still staying within their budget.

This project involved re-working the existing interior layout to give the home a new, open concept floor plan, breaking up the feeling of four separate rooms on the first floor. We met our clients’ needs through the following: We built a designated area for their three kids to enjoy snacks and do their homework after school. There are three regular cooks in the home, so an open space was created that was suitable for 2-3 chefs to work comfortably. Because the clients love to look up new recipe and meal ideas, a separate desk area for their computer, with internet access, was created. We incorporated clients’ love of the bead board look within the cabinetry. We incorporated an accessible and aesthetically pleasing three shelf built-in space within the island to store cookbooks and other belongings. Improved previous interior lighting by adding three hanging lights over the island, updating ceiling lighting and building French doors in the dining room space. Made the kitchen open to the living room so family and guests can continuously interact. Spice storage was a concern, so we built a four row pull-out spice rack near the stove. New kitchen appliances were creatively incorporated that were not originally there. A total of four interior walls were removed to create the open concept floor plan. We faced a constraint when we had to install a structural LVL beam since we removed a load bearing wall. We also met design challenges, such as adding pantry storage, natural lighting, spice storage, trash pull-outs and enough space to comfortably fit at least three chefs in the kitchen at a time, within the existing footprint of the house. The clients had waited 11 years for a new kitchen and they didn’t want to hold back on what they really wanted. The clients finally received a creative and practical kitchen, while still staying within their budget.

This project involved re-working the existing interior layout to give the home a new, open concept floor plan, breaking up the feeling of four separate rooms on the first floor. We met our clients’ needs through the following: We built a designated area for their three kids to enjoy snacks and do their homework after school. There are three regular cooks in the home, so an open space was created that was suitable for 2-3 chefs to work comfortably. Because the clients love to look up new recipe and meal ideas, a separate desk area for their computer, with internet access, was created. We incorporated clients’ love of the bead board look within the cabinetry. We incorporated an accessible and aesthetically pleasing three shelf built-in space within the island to store cookbooks and other belongings. Improved previous interior lighting by adding three hanging lights over the island, updating ceiling lighting and building French doors in the dining room space. Made the kitchen open to the living room so family and guests can continuously interact. Spice storage was a concern, so we built a four row pull-out spice rack near the stove. New kitchen appliances were creatively incorporated that were not originally there. A total of four interior walls were removed to create the open concept floor plan. We faced a constraint when we had to install a structural LVL beam since we removed a load bearing wall. We also met design challenges, such as adding pantry storage, natural lighting, spice storage, trash pull-outs and enough space to comfortably fit at least three chefs in the kitchen at a time, within the existing footprint of the house. The clients had waited 11 years for a new kitchen and they didn’t want to hold back on what they really wanted. The clients finally received a creative and practical kitchen, while still staying within their budget.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Francisco with stainless steel appliances, recessed-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

This project involved re-working the existing interior layout to give the home a new, open concept floor plan, breaking up the feeling of four separate rooms on the first floor. We met our clients’ needs through the following: We built a designated area for their three kids to enjoy snacks and do their homework after school. There are three regular cooks in the home, so an open space was created that was suitable for 2-3 chefs to work comfortably. Because the clients love to look up new recipe and meal ideas, a separate desk area for their computer, with internet access, was created. We incorporated clients’ love of the bead board look within the cabinetry. We incorporated an accessible and aesthetically pleasing three shelf built-in space within the island to store cookbooks and other belongings. Improved previous interior lighting by adding three hanging lights over the island, updating ceiling lighting and building French doors in the dining room space. Made the kitchen open to the living room so family and guests can continuously interact. Spice storage was a concern, so we built a four row pull-out spice rack near the stove. New kitchen appliances were creatively incorporated that were not originally there. A total of four interior walls were removed to create the open concept floor plan. We faced a constraint when we had to install a structural LVL beam since we removed a load bearing wall. We also met design challenges, such as adding pantry storage, natural lighting, spice storage, trash pull-outs and enough space to comfortably fit at least three chefs in the kitchen at a time, within the existing footprint of the house. The clients had waited 11 years for a new kitchen and they didn’t want to hold back on what they really wanted. The clients finally received a creative and practical kitchen, while still staying within their budget.

This ceiling was designed and detailed by dSPACE Studio. We created a custom plaster mold that was fabricated by a Chicago plaster company and installed and finished on-site.

The owner of this kitchen is a chef and holds cooking classes often. The large granite island provides plenty of viewing area for her students while allowing her to move around the space freely. The lowered Carrera marble counter-top is perfect for prep work and is flanked by refrigerator and freezer drawers for the ultimate in convenience. A full-size refrigerator is hidden behind the pantry doors.

Siri Blanchette/Blind Dog Photo Associates This living room designed by Marcye Philbrook is textural, soothing, comfortable and contemporary. The cable rail "holding" up the shelves, concrete mantel in a sandy tone, floating shelves in a very textural laminate, modern fireplace with driftwood inside as well as the warm beiges and cool grays playing off of each other remind one of the natural Maine shore.

Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and gray walls

An oversize island in walnut/sap wood holds its own in this large space. Imperial Danby marble is the countertop and backsplash. The stainless Sub Zero Pro fridge brings an exciting industrial note.

Example of a mid-sized trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office design in Dallas with beige walls and no fireplace

This Wedgewood stove is considered the Queen of the line. They started production in the late 1940's and this one is from about 1951. It has 4 burners, a large gas griddle, two ovens, and two broilers, as well as a collapsible shelf to hold your vintage salt & pepper collection. Custom hood surround made of drywall and oak moulding is designed to hold a piece of artwork, which can be swapped out for a change. This vintage oil still life of fruit looks perfect in a kitchen! Cabinet glass with chicken wire inset adds another vintage touch: from Olde Good Things in Downtown LA.

The island is stained walnut. The cabinets are glazed paint. The gray-green hutch has copper mesh over the doors and is designed to appear as a separate free standing piece. Small appliances are behind the cabinets at countertop level next to the range. The hood is copper with an aged finish. The wall of windows keeps the room light and airy, despite the dreary Pacific Northwest winters! The fireplace wall was floor to ceiling brick with a big wood stove. The new fireplace surround is honed marble. The hutch to the left is built into the wall and holds all of their electronics. Project by Portland interior design studio Jenni Leasia Interior Design. Also serving Lake Oswego, West Linn, Vancouver, Sherwood, Camas, Oregon City, Beaverton, and the whole of Greater Portland. For more about Jenni Leasia Interior Design, click here: https://www.jennileasiadesign.com/

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Eat-in kitchen - contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and concrete countertops