Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room remodel in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.

This home is a true gem in the heart of MacGregor Downs community in Cary, NC. Built in the 1980's in true Modernist design and architecture, the new owners wanted to keep the integrity of the original design. We redesigned the Half Bath, created floor plan layouts for new furniture, spec'd out furniture, accessories, flooring material, lighting, and artwork, as well as worked on brightening the wall and ceiling paint colors. One challenge we faced during the design process were the very tall ceilings, the very wide walls, and unusual angles. We chose interesting , engaging, and minimalistic artwork for the walls, which proved a successful solution. Another challenge was having a large open angled living room space; we created the perfect layout with separate functional gathering areas and eliminated unused corners. Photo credit: Bob Fortner

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, marble countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, beaded inset cabinets, white backsplash and white countertops

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations with builders on new construction is a favorite part of my job. I love seeing a house go up from the blueprints to the end of the build. It is always a journey filled with a thousand decisions, some creative on-the-spot thinking and yes, usually a few stressful moments. This Naperville project was a collaboration with a local builder and architect. The Kitchen Studio collaborated by completing the cabinetry design and final layout for the entire home. The kitchen is spacious and opens into the neighboring family room. A 48” Thermador range is centered between two windows, and the sink has a view through a window into the mudroom which is a unique feature. A large island with seating and waterfall countertops creates a beautiful focal point for the room. A bank of refrigeration, including a full-size wine refrigerator completes the picture. The area between the kitchen and dining room houses a second sink and a large walk in pantry. The kitchen features many unique storage elements important to the new homeowners including in-drawer charging stations, a cutlery divider, knife block, microwave drawer, pull out trash, multiple appliance garages, spice pull outs and tray dividers. There’s not much you can’t store in this room! Cabinetry is white shaker inset styling with a gray stain on the island. The back of the island features lap style siding that coordinates with the fireplace in the neighboring family room. Mid-century inspired lighting gives the room a modern vibe. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Builder: Hampton Homes Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a timeless wooden straight wood railing staircase remodel in Boston with painted risers

Working with this chef on a kitchen redesign proved to be a study in detail, said Janice. “She was very specific on what she needed and we had to make some significant adjustments in wall structures, among other things, to provide what she was looking for.” “However, she was very enjoyable to work with because, while there were a lot of requirements about what she had to have, she was also open to ideas and to blending her needs with different ways to do things.” One of the significant changes included: Redoing a wall that separated the kitchen from the living area having only one opening in the middle to a wall with two openings on either side of a new bar area where people can gather and flow more easily into the living area. The bar includes a sink, dishwasher, wine cooler, TV, and cabinetry for glassware. Photos provided by Janice Teague

We were thrilled to partner with our clients in updating and renovating the entire main floor of their inviting Silver Spring home. Tucked away in one of the area’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods this once ultra-traditional-style home is now the ideal blend of past and present. Knowing that we were not only bringing their space current but also creating a tailored in-law suite for their mother’s upcoming stay — we got right to work on our mission of removing all obstacles to this family’s vision. This comprehensive project includes a larger, more functional kitchen plus Great Room addition; in-law suite with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space; family room; and screened in porch / deck combination ideal for grilling, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. The expansive and open-layout-kitchen features Dura Supreme Shaker Cabinetry painted white and paired with glistening quartz counters. The space continues on and seamlessly opens up into the breezy Great Room and dining area. The newly equipped Mini-Split HVAC System provides independent temperature control and the elegant Universal Design In-Law Bathroom ensures both safety and usability. Hardwood flooring was installed and the existing flooring throughout was refinished to match — giving way to the smooth and continuous feel throughout the entire main level. We are proud to have created and delivered this transitional redesign and remodel all while keeping a small footprint for the in-law suite and not losing any of the original space.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Cate Black
Large 1950s medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Houston with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and shaker cabinets

Photo by Mike Casey Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints. OPENING UP THE KITCHEN Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before. Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house. CREATING COMFORT We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer. We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat. All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.

The back yard patio is the new living room. Let’s discuss. If you’ve tried to purchase an outdoor, propane heater, new grill, or even outdoor seating in the past six months, this is not news to you. We’re all doing our best to manage through the pandemic while still enjoying social connections and time with family and friends. The solution that so many of us have adopted is to spend more time outside. There’s a Norwegian saying that says, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” It’s a mantra worth adopting these days. We have a lot of customers who are ready to bundle up and enjoy their back yards as much as they enjoy their living rooms. But these lucky homeowners have had that opportunity for the past six months. Reading any further may make you pretty jealous, but we hope that it inspires you for a future project in your own back yard.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The Oak Street renovation has completely transformed the 70’s era split level home into a sophisticated modern oasis! By extending the kitchen into the existing dining room space, we’re able to maximize functionality and flow between the kitchen and new dining room area. By opening up the wall to create a large pass-through between kitchen and dining, we’ve created the perfect solution to visibly combine all areas and make an ideal design solution for entertaining while providing plenty of seating around the peninsula. High vaulted ceilings exaggerate the ceiling height and work beautifully with the tall cabinetry which brings the down the human scale of vertical space. Slick black Cambria Black quartz countertops and dark metal finishes provide high contrast against the white cabinets and create a high end look. A warm gray stained oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space keeping the overall look light and soft. It’s easy to see why this beautiful kitchen transformation has become the heart of the home with a new functional, modern design for the whole family.

The Oak Street renovation has completely transformed the 70’s era split level home into a sophisticated modern oasis! By extending the kitchen into the existing dining room space, we’re able to maximize functionality and flow between the kitchen and new dining room area. By opening up the wall to create a large pass-through between kitchen and dining, we’ve created the perfect solution to visibly combine all areas and make an ideal design solution for entertaining while providing plenty of seating around the peninsula. High vaulted ceilings exaggerate the ceiling height and work beautifully with the tall cabinetry which brings the down the human scale of vertical space. Slick black Cambria Black quartz countertops and dark metal finishes provide high contrast against the white cabinets and create a high end look. A warm gray stained oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space keeping the overall look light and soft. It’s easy to see why this beautiful kitchen transformation has become the heart of the home with a new functional, modern design for the whole family.

The Oak Street renovation has completely transformed the 70’s era split level home into a sophisticated modern oasis! By extending the kitchen into the existing dining room space, we’re able to maximize functionality and flow between the kitchen and new dining room area. By opening up the wall to create a large pass-through between kitchen and dining, we’ve created the perfect solution to visibly combine all areas and make an ideal design solution for entertaining while providing plenty of seating around the peninsula. High vaulted ceilings exaggerate the ceiling height and work beautifully with the tall cabinetry which brings the down the human scale of vertical space. Slick black Cambria Black quartz countertops and dark metal finishes provide high contrast against the white cabinets and create a high end look. A warm gray stained oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space keeping the overall look light and soft. It’s easy to see why this beautiful kitchen transformation has become the heart of the home with a new functional, modern design for the whole family.

This finished basement renovation in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania was designed to transform an underutilized lower level into a spacious and highly functional living area for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday family use. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Delaware County basement remodel creates a bright, open layout that adds significant livable square footage while maintaining a clean and timeless design. The newly finished basement features a large open entertainment space anchored by custom built-in cabinetry and shelving surrounding a wall-mounted media center. This built-in storage solution keeps the space organized while creating a natural focal point for movie nights, sports viewing, and family gatherings. Throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank flooring was selected for its durability, warmth, and moisture resistance—an ideal flooring solution for finished basement spaces. The neutral wood tones help brighten the lower level while complementing the clean white trim, columns, and millwork used throughout the design. A custom basement wet bar with blue cabinetry adds both style and function to the entertainment area. The bar includes quartz countertops, glass-front beverage refrigerators, a bar sink, and floating wood shelves that provide additional storage and display space. This feature makes the basement perfect for hosting guests, game days, or casual family gatherings. Recessed LED lighting was installed across the entire ceiling to ensure the basement feels bright and inviting despite being below grade. Multiple zones were created within the open floor plan to accommodate a variety of uses, including a lounge area, entertainment space, and additional flexible living areas. The finished result is a modern, fully finished basement that feels like a natural extension of the home’s main living areas, providing a comfortable space for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a basement finishing and remodeling contractor serving Newtown Square, Delaware County, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and the greater Philadelphia Main Line area.

Retractable deck or patio awnings are fully customizable to meet desired project specifications for both residential and commercial applications. Lateral arm retractable deck and patio awnings are an ideal shading solution—available with motorized or manual control.