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

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

Twist Tour
Small transitional master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile doorless shower photo in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops
Small transitional master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile doorless shower photo in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops
Find the right local pro for your project

Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile mosaic tile floor bathroom remodel in Orange County with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Large West Chester PA Master bath remodel. The clients wanted more storage, his and hers vanities, and no tub. A linen closet, plenty of drawers, and additional cabinetry storage were designed to solve that problem. Fieldstone cabinetry in the Moss Green painted finish really looks sharp. The floor was tiled in large 4’x4’ tiles for a clean look with minimal grout lines. The wainscoting and shower tile were also simple large tiles in a natural tone that tie in nicely with the beautiful granite countertops and shower wall caps. New trims, louvered toilet room and pocket entry door were added and stained to match the original trim throughout the home. ( Perfect match by our finisher ) Frameless glass shower surround, new lighted vanity mirrors, and additional recessed ceiling lights finish out the new look. Another awesome bathroom with happy clients.

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

Step 3: A Bit of Problem-Solving: Our plumber also replaced the shower fixtures. It turned out that in order to swap out the shower hardware we also needed to replace a valve behind the wall. That sounds scary, but it’s not, especially when you hire a pro to do it for you! I provided our plumber with a few extra tiles, and he was able to open up the wall, change the valve, and patch it with matching tiles. Because our tile was so basic, finding a few matching ones at the home improvement store was an inexpensive and easy fix.
Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and shaker cabinets

Our client reached out with a problem for us to solve. Part of his property was an eyesore and difficult to keep up. A tree had fallen into his overgrown pond, it had been leaking for ages, and it had become a major problem for this homeowner.
Mike Hall (Design and Construction manager) saw the land and with the help of Fitz's team and developed this concept of a multi-level waterfall that pours gracefully into the large basin. The challenge was to use the existing layout and keep the feel of the beautiful forest that surrounded it.
This project was a chance to push the limit on scale. We were able to build a large water feature that was complex and build a sustainable healthy pond at the bottom. With over 30,000 gallons of water, our team custom built a filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy for the fish that call it home. The gravel suction grid for filtration worked like a charm. Then added a Used an external pressure filter, to keep the water extra clear.
Our team cleared the whole pond, saved fish, fixed the drainage issues, lined the pond with a massive liner. Then we brought in 50 tons of moss rock boulders. Saved the original bridges and made them stronger and sturdy. Created a look that was natural to the forest surrounding it.
This was an exciting project for the FFP team and we are extremely proud of how it turned out!
Photos by - Paul Madsen

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom.
But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working.
Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway.
To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space.
So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues.
When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath.
First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved.
Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia.
The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters.
Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi.
A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles.
Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable.
The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns.
A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures.
Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch.
A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

To solve the design dilemma about the base cabinets not lining up with the upper cabinet, Kristin from The Hunted Interior had the counter installers, from Old Castle Surfaces, create a full height splash using the Martha Stewart Living LG Hausys Viatera Quartz and had them cut a decorative detail. This design reflects back to the banquette in our kitchen's breakfast nook & is something not everyone is going to have in their space. I also love the juxtaposition of the quartz detail against the full walls of herringbone.

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

This kitchen project is in a newer build home (2007). The family liked everything about the space except for the island layout and location. Both ends of it were pinch points which made it cumbersome for multiple people to be in the space at a time. They liked the granite countertops but the one on the island was damaged and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new island configuration. Due to this, it made sense to replace all the countertops with quartz. The perimeter cabinets were in good shape but were a dark color which made the space dark and uninviting. We solved this by painting them a bright green/blue color with a two-part water-based paint. We added a couple of other cabinets in the adjacent spaces to provide them with more needed storage which did not impact the kitchen space. We relocated the existing 3 recessed lights over the island which saved them from the landfill. We replaced the old under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures with new energy efficient LED channel fixtures that provide much better counter task lighting. We painted both the ceiling and walls to freshen up the space. As you can see, we were able to solve this family’s kitchen problems in both an environmentally and budget conscious way with creative solutions.

Large West Chester PA Master bath remodel. The clients wanted more storage, his and hers vanities, and no tub. A linen closet, plenty of drawers, and additional cabinetry storage were designed to solve that problem. Fieldstone cabinetry in the Moss Green painted finish really looks sharp. The floor was tiled in large 4’x4’ tiles for a clean look with minimal grout lines. The wainscoting and shower tile were also simple large tiles in a natural tone that tie in nicely with the beautiful granite countertops and shower wall caps. New trims, louvered toilet room and pocket entry door were added and stained to match the original trim throughout the home. ( Perfect match by our finisher ) Frameless glass shower surround, new lighted vanity mirrors, and additional recessed ceiling lights finish out the new look. Another awesome bathroom with happy clients.

3-D textured cabinet with matte lacquer finish with dark gray countertop and white ceramic vessel sink.
Above-Counter Sink by Duravit
Dark Gray Quartz Countertop by Caesarstone
PuraVida Faucet by Hansgrohe
3-D Textured Cabinets by Soho Kitchen Studio Inc.
Soho Kitchen Studio Inc.

This playroom features multiple distinct zones for a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, including a Lego area where the 6-year-old enjoys building Lego creations while sharpening his problem-solving skills, a glam dress up station where the 4-year-old can fully express herself, and a gross motor area with a foam pit, monkey bars, a cargo net tunnel, and a climbing wall. The layout keeps things open for free play while offering much-needed storage and organization. A custom window seat with built-in cabinetry adds both function and style. It’s no surprise that this playroom quickly became the family’s favorite spot, offering a kids indoor play zone that supports all kinds of developmental play and fun.

• Before - 2,300 square feet
• After – 3,800 square feet
• Remodel of a 1930’s vacation cabin on a steep, lakeside lot
• Asian-influenced Arts and Crafts style architecture compliments the owner’s art and furniture collection
• A harmonious design blending stained wood, rich stone and natural fibers
• The creation of an upper floor solved access problems while adding space for a grand entry, office and media room
• The new staircase, with its Japanese tansu-style cabinet and widened lower sculpture display steps, forms a partitioning wall for the two-story library

• Before - 2,300 square feet
• After – 3,800 square feet
• Remodel of a 1930’s vacation cabin on a steep, lakeside lot
• Asian-influenced Arts and Crafts style architecture compliments the owner’s art and furniture collection
• A harmonious design blending stained wood, rich stone and natural fibers
• The creation of an upper floor solved access problems while adding space for a grand entry, office and media room
• The new staircase, with its Japanese tansu-style cabinet and widened lower sculpture display steps, forms a partitioning wall for the two-story library
56

