Search results for "Honing problem solving" in Home Design Ideas

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped bamboo floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This compact DC kitchen was in dire need of space saving tricks and we used several. The kitchen features two tip-on toe kick drawers, sink tilt out, lazy susan, blind corner cabinet and custom vertical wood dividers over the frig. The original kitchen layout was L shaped because space did not allow for full depth base cabinets on the right wall. Problem solved -- we simply built cabinets that were 18" deep which still provide loads of storage as well as much needed counter top space.

The TV room/Den in this multi-level townhouse suffered from an identity crisis. It opened onto a covered patio but the carpeted floor made it seem more like a bedroom than a room with outdoor access. It sometimes served as an extra bedroom for guests, but was primarily a TV room. An adjacent laundry room was oddly configured and opened into a busy hallway/landing area. The fix included closing off the existing door to the laundry room and opening it up to the den. This made both rooms more user-friendly. The carpet was replaced with luxury vinyl plank flooring in both rooms, making a much more practical surface for a room with an exterior door. A pocket door was not feasible in the location so barn-door hardware solved the problem of a door opening onto the sofa.
Find the right local pro for your project

What began as a problem-solving exercise to control excessive wind in the courtyard of a newly-built semi-custom Spanish Colonial Revival home in Orinda, CA, culminated in a true work of art. The hand-crafted metal and resin screen design began with a traditional Moorish star pattern that was scaled up then distorted slightly. Two-inch wide steel bars are interwoven to create a frame holding opaque resin panels that block both the wind and views from the neighboring property. Bland concrete floors were replaced with bespoke cement tiles that continue the Moorish star pattern and complete the client’s vision of a Spanish retreat in the California hills.

Taylor Photo
Elegant kitchen photo in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Elegant kitchen photo in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Two large "U" shaped drawer under the sink adds convenient storage.
Example of a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in San Diego with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and a hinged shower door
Example of a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in San Diego with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and a hinged shower door

ouble the bathroom trouble in this 1990’s home … solved with this Sosna renovation!
Our clients, empty-nesters desiring the peace and ease of retirement, were instead frustrated and exhausted with leaky bathroom plumbing from a previous renovation that would just not go away.
Their Shared Bathroom, renovated by their friend years ago, was not done correctly, causing repetitive leaking with damage to their Kitchen ceiling below. They had had enough of trying to fix it themselves. To say this couple was leery of hiring another renovator was an understatement.
But they also knew it was time to fix this problem and decided to update their Master Bathroom while they were at it.
Our initial plan included minimal demolition by re-organizing the walls between the 2 Bathrooms and keeping the existing plumbing rough-ins in place, while updating the fixtures.
However, unwelcome surprises are sometimes inevitable in renovations. Even though we conducted a thorough investigation during the planning stage, we were faced with plumbing in the Shared Bathroom that was not done correctly and may even have been illegal.
Because of this, relocating the rough-ins in the Shared Bathroom were necessary after all, which then meant re-planning the walls in between the 2 Bathrooms.
These are exactly the kinds of problems we love to solve. Why? Because we know that we’re not just fixing the physical problems that can be seen; we know we are also restoring this family’s faith in quality craftsmanship and good service, and that it’s possible to enjoy the renovation process.
This is why we don’t vary from our tried and true Renovating the Sosna Way™ process.
Because it works. For everyone.
For the Masons, we ended up renovating two bathrooms and completing a number of smaller projects that were causing them great pain to find a renovator for.
At the end of the day, we have another happy client. The Masons have two new bathrooms that better fit their life stage and style, and the “Honey-Do” list is empty!
When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

What began as a problem-solving exercise to control excessive wind in the courtyard of a newly-built semi-custom Spanish Colonial Revival home in Orinda, CA, culminated in a true work of art. The hand-crafted metal and resin screen design began with a traditional Moorish star pattern that was scaled up then distorted slightly. Two-inch wide steel bars are interwoven to create a frame holding opaque resin panels that block both the wind and views from the neighboring property. Bland concrete floors were replaced with bespoke cement tiles that continue the Moorish star pattern and complete the client’s vision of a Spanish retreat in the California hills.

Cesar Rubio
Trendy medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in San Francisco with white walls
Trendy medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in San Francisco with white walls

Photo: New York Times
Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor and beige floor family room remodel with red walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand
Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor and beige floor family room remodel with red walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand

Tuscan open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Orange County with a bar and white walls

This small kitchen was updated by refacing the cabinets with two tone colors that gave enough contrast to bring the kitchen from an outdated space to a beautiful inviting space. To solve the storage problem, we installed a new pantry. The bead-board backing on the peninsula gave an added interest to the space. The upper cabinets were done in a mist color, while the lower cabinets were done in a midnight color. To finish the new look, we installed an Aria quartz countertop and an igloo ceramic subway tile backsplash. Now this kitchen is ready to be shared with their family and friends.

This small kitchen was updated by refacing the cabinets with two tone colors that gave enough contrast to bring the kitchen from an outdated space to a beautiful inviting space. To solve the storage problem, we installed a new pantry. The bead-board backing on the peninsula gave an added interest to the space. The upper cabinets were done in a mist color, while the lower cabinets were done in a midnight color. To finish the new look, we installed an Aria quartz countertop and an igloo ceramic subway tile backsplash. Now this kitchen is ready to be shared with their family and friends.

This bathroom converted from a small bedroom in a ranch-style home on a concrete slab, is now a beautiful, light-filled retreat. One of the biggest challenges in this transformation was the plumbing. With the home built on a slab, running new lines required creative problem-solving. But the result was worth it: a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass that keeps the space feeling airy and expansive.
The client gravitated toward natural finishes, so we balanced modern simplicity with warm wood tones. Custom-built open shelving features sliding pull-out shelves for easy access and a clean, tailored look. The vanity’s natural woodgrain adds warmth, while brushed nickel fixtures maintain a streamlined, modern aesthetic.

A custom double vanity built for two, with twelve drawers and two cabinets to solve the storage problem the homeowners had in their old bathroom. Quartz counters and brushed nickel fixtures keep the look bright and modern.
This is remodel done by Nextgen Home Builders

This small kitchen was updated by refacing the cabinets with two tone colors that gave enough contrast to bring the kitchen from an outdated space to a beautiful inviting space. To solve the storage problem, we installed a new pantry. The bead-board backing on the peninsula gave an added interest to the space. The upper cabinets were done in a mist color, while the lower cabinets were done in a midnight color. To finish the new look, we installed an Aria quartz countertop and an igloo ceramic subway tile backsplash. Now this kitchen is ready to be shared with their family and friends.

This full custom library was designed and built in stained birch to hold approximately 4,500 books. The project included floor-to-ceiling adjustable shelving, a sliding bookcase system that allows five units to share the same footprint while remaining full accessible, sliding library ladders engineered for uneven flooring and a 4’ x 8’ island with open storage, drawers, and seating on both ends.
Starting from conceptual sketch by an interior designer, we worked with the client and designer to clarify priorities and design the parts that no one knew how to build making a functional working library. The result is complete system that balances high storage capacity with practical daily use.

ouble the bathroom trouble in this 1990’s home … solved with this Sosna renovation!
Our clients, empty-nesters desiring the peace and ease of retirement, were instead frustrated and exhausted with leaky bathroom plumbing from a previous renovation that would just not go away.
Their Shared Bathroom, renovated by their friend years ago, was not done correctly, causing repetitive leaking with damage to their Kitchen ceiling below. They had had enough of trying to fix it themselves. To say this couple was leery of hiring another renovator was an understatement.
But they also knew it was time to fix this problem and decided to update their Master Bathroom while they were at it.
Our initial plan included minimal demolition by re-organizing the walls between the 2 Bathrooms and keeping the existing plumbing rough-ins in place, while updating the fixtures.
However, unwelcome surprises are sometimes inevitable in renovations. Even though we conducted a thorough investigation during the planning stage, we were faced with plumbing in the Shared Bathroom that was not done correctly and may even have been illegal.
Because of this, relocating the rough-ins in the Shared Bathroom were necessary after all, which then meant re-planning the walls in between the 2 Bathrooms.
These are exactly the kinds of problems we love to solve. Why? Because we know that we’re not just fixing the physical problems that can be seen; we know we are also restoring this family’s faith in quality craftsmanship and good service, and that it’s possible to enjoy the renovation process.
This is why we don’t vary from our tried and true Renovating the Sosna Way™ process.
Because it works. For everyone.
For the Masons, we ended up renovating two bathrooms and completing a number of smaller projects that were causing them great pain to find a renovator for.
At the end of the day, we have another happy client. The Masons have two new bathrooms that better fit their life stage and style, and the “Honey-Do” list is empty!
When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!
43



