By removing those barriers, we created one large, open space that feels both connected and welcoming. The existing window remained in place, and we designed around it with a built-in counter and stools—an ideal spot to pause, get some work done, or enjoy a quiet moment.

This home has "doggone" good design! This design, by Kendra Roenker of Modern Builders Supply, makes pet care easy for the owners, and luxurious for the dogs. The amenities go way beyond the basics. The faucet is placed above the water bowls—no more toting water from the kitchen sink and leaving a wet trail behind. The beds aren't just beds—they are raised beds with stepping stools. The feeding station holds toys, food, leashes and dog grooming tools—there will be no problems finding necessities. What more could a dog or a dog owner need? Kendra specified StarMark Cabinetry's Viola door style in Cherry finished in a beautiful brown cabinet color called Hazelnut. Job well done Kendra! Modern Builders Supply is a StarMark Cabinetry dealer in Florence, Kentucky.

Designed for two people working from home, this custom office combines individual workstations with a central surface for collaboration. The most distinctive feature is the large-scale photograph of Italian architecture integrated into the upper storage unit. Divided into three sections, the outer portions are mounted to a pair of sliding doors that move to reveal or conceal the shelving behind them. The artwork creates a dramatic focal point while allowing the wall to provide significantly more functional storage than is immediately visible.

Adjacent to the kitchen, we designed a homework station to seat two for this family with two school-aged children.
Study space and small transitional built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room photo in Seattle with blue walls and no fireplace

Photo: Le Michelle Nguyen © 2014 Houzz
Example of a transitional living room design in San Francisco

Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Inspiration for an eclectic rock landscaping in Charlotte.

Julia Lynn
Inspiration for a coastal white tile brown floor walk-in shower remodel in Charleston with white walls and a hinged shower door

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   One of my favorite things to work on is older homes with a bit of history because I find it an interesting challenge to marry the historical architectural features of a home with modern design elements that work well for my client’s current lifestyle. This home was particularly fun because it was the second kitchen we had done for this family and was quite a departure from the style of the first kitchen. The before shot of the kitchen shows a view from the family room. See the dropped ceiling? We were curious, was this just part of the design or was the dropped ceiling there to hide mechanicals? Well we soon found out that it was mostly decorative (yay!), and with the exception of a little bit of work to some plumbing from an upstairs bathroom and rerouting of the ventilation system within the original floor joists, we were in the clear, phew! The shot of the completed kitchen from roughly the same vantage point shows how much taller the ceilings are. It makes a huge difference in the feel of the space. Dark and gloomy turned fresh and light! Another serious consideration was what do we do with the skinny transom window above the refrigerator. After much back and forth, we decided to eliminate it and do some open shelving instead. This ended up being one of the nicest areas in the room. I am calling it the “fun zone” because it houses all the barware, wine cubbies and a bar fridge — the perfect little buffet spot for entertaining. It is flanked on either side by pull out pantries that I’m sure will get a ton of use. Since the neighboring room has literally three walls of almost full height windows, the kitchen gets plenty of light. The gold shelving brackets, large pendant fixtures over the island and the tile mural behind the range all pay subtle homage to the home’s prairie style architecture and bring a bit of sparkle to the room. Even though the room is quite large, the work triangle is very tight with the large Subzero fridge, sink and range all nearby for easy maneuvering during meal prep. There is seating for four at the island, and work aisles are generous. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

In this two-tier cutlery drawer from Dura Supreme Cabinetry, silverware is organized on top and steak knives are tucked discreetly and safely below in a knife block. The key to a well designed kitchen is not necessarily what you see on the outside. Although the external details will certainly garner admiration from family and friends, it will be the internal accessories that make you smile day after day. Your kitchen will simply perform better with specific accessories for tray storage, pantry goods, cleaning supplies, kitchen towels, trash and recycling bins. “Loft” Living originated in Paris when artists established studios in abandoned warehouses to accommodate the oversized paintings popular at the time. Modern loft environments idealize the characteristics of their early counterparts with high ceilings, exposed beams, open spaces, and vintage flooring or brickwork. Soaring windows frame dramatic city skylines, and interior spaces pack a powerful visual punch with their clean lines and minimalist approach to detail. Dura Supreme cabinetry coordinates perfectly within this design genre with sleek contemporary door styles and equally sleek interiors. This kitchen features Moda cabinet doors with vertical grain, which gives this kitchen its sleek minimalistic design. Lofted design often starts with a neutral color then uses a mix of raw materials, in this kitchen we’ve mixed in brushed metal throughout using Aluminum Framed doors, stainless steel hardware, stainless steel appliances, and glazed tiles for the backsplash. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet at: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Nicole Dianne
Transitional concrete front porch idea in Sacramento

A quiet spot for reflection or appetizers or after dinner drinks... adjacent to the kitchen and dining room this warm area certainly fits the bill. The Kitchens central banquette island seats six on benches with another one at each end! Seating for EIGHT plus the back side boasts raised seating in bar stools. The show-stopping coffered ceiling was custom designed and features beaded paneling, recessed can lighting and dramatic crown molding. This lovely home features an open concept space with the kitchen at the heart. Built in the late 1990's the prior kitchen was cherry, but dark and the new family needed a fresh update. This great space was a collaboration between many talented folks including but not limited to the team at Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC, L. Newman and Associates/Paul Mansback, Inc with Leslie Rifkin and Emily Shakra. Additional contributions from the homeowners and Belisle Granite. John C. Hession Photographer

Adjacent to the kitchen with access to both the garage and dining room, this butler's pantry also serves as a mudroom / home office, and creates an ideal spot to set up a buffet while entertaining.

Reflecting a simple yet ingenious design, compact size and great functions, the "Innovation USA" Supremax Deluxe Excess Sofa Bed becomes an ideal spot for relaxing, lounging or sleeping in any space. Experience the highest comfort of the 10" Icomfort mattress and transform the sofa into a full sized bed just by pulling the seating and folding down the backrest. From www.modern-sofabeds.com Free shipping US

White kitchen with white subway tile and blue accent tile, white z-line range, brass fixtures and hardware.
Mid-sized beach style kitchen photo in Dallas with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, white appliances, two islands and white countertops

The interstitial space between the tub/shower and the wall did not go unused. Three skinny drawers and one lower door provide ideal storage spots for toiletries. Vintage porcelain knob and tube wiring sleeves were repurposed as drawer knobs. Ben Nicholson

5 Compo Beach Road | Exceptional Westport Waterfront Property Welcome to the Ultimate Westport Lifestyle….. Exclusive & highly sought after Compo Beach location, just up from the Compo Beach Yacht Basin & across from Longshore Golf Club. This impressive 6BD, 6.5BA, 5000SF+ Hamptons designed beach home presents fabulous curb appeal & stunning sunset & waterviews. Architectural significance augments the tasteful interior & highlights the exquisite craftsmanship & detailed millwork. Gorgeous high ceiling & abundant over-sized windows compliment the appealing open floor design & impeccable style. The inviting Mahogany front porch provides the ideal spot to enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the water. A rare treasure in the Beach area, this home offers a square level lot that perfectly accommodates a pool. (Proposed Design Plan provided.) FEMA compliant. This pristine & sophisticated, yet, welcoming home extends unrestricted comfort & luxury in a superb beach location…..Absolute perfection at the shore.

Comfortable family living space in this Ann Arbor home.
Inspiration for a large craftsman single-wall light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Trendy open concept beige floor living room photo in Los Angeles with brown walls and a media wall

An intimate park-like setting with low-maintenance materials replaced an aging wooden rooftop deck at this Bucktown home. Three distinct spaces create a full outdoor experience, starting with a landscaped dining area surrounded by large trees and greenery. The illusion is that of a secret garden rather than an urban rooftop deck. A sprawling green area is the perfect spot to soak in the summer sun or play an outdoor game. In the front is the main entertainment area, fully outfitted with a louvered roof, fire table, and built-in seating. The space maintains the atmosphere of a garden with shrubbery and flowers. It’s the ideal place to host friends and family with a custom kitchen that is complete with a Big Green Egg and an outdoor television.