CREATING A CONNECTION. We drastically improved the spatial and visual flow of the first-floor space. Removing some walls allowed for integration of the kitchen and living and dining rooms, resulting in a large, open layout. Photography by Anice Hoachlander

This fun classic kitchen in Gold River features Columbia frameless cabinets in Sandy Hook grey. A green glass backsplash in a random matte and polished pattern complements the cabinets which are faced with both painted wood and frosted glass. The Silestone countertops in the Lyra finish have an ogee bullnose edge. The floors are finished in a rich brown porcelain tile of varying sizes that are made to resemble distressed wood. Photo Credit: Nar Fine Carpentry, Inc

Existing Palisades traditional home was painted all white with blue shutters. Started by repainting the exterior with a soft tone-on-tone color scheme to improve the sense of the architectural shapes, and to better fit the natural environment.

Hallway with wood flooring and updated millwork, part of the home's improved spatial layout.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern light wood floor and brown floor hallway remodel in San Francisco with white walls

THE SETUP Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment. Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout. Design Objectives: Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor. Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency. Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space. Design Challenges: The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design. Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout. Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction. The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient. Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic. The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded. Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space. Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors. The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements. The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy. The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

Inspiration for a bedroom and large transitional girl medium tone wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with pink walls

A colorful garden and patio seating area outside of Boston was designed by APLD member Pete Cadieux.
Design ideas for a traditional backyard landscaping in Boston.

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

Project Objectives: Enhance spatial dynamics to support modern living standards. Integrate cutting-edge fixtures and smart home technologies for enhanced convenience. Boost the home’s energy efficiency with advanced insulation and HVAC solutions. Revitalize the exterior façade and landscaping to improve outdoor enjoyment and aesthetic value. Execute the renovation in compliance with the latest building codes, within budget and on schedule.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.

Project Objectives: Enhance spatial dynamics to support modern living standards. Integrate cutting-edge fixtures and smart home technologies for enhanced convenience. Boost the home’s energy efficiency with advanced insulation and HVAC solutions. Revitalize the exterior façade and landscaping to improve outdoor enjoyment and aesthetic value. Execute the renovation in compliance with the latest building codes, within budget and on schedule.

Project Objectives: Enhance spatial dynamics to support modern living standards. Integrate cutting-edge fixtures and smart home technologies for enhanced convenience. Boost the home’s energy efficiency with advanced insulation and HVAC solutions. Revitalize the exterior façade and landscaping to improve outdoor enjoyment and aesthetic value. Execute the renovation in compliance with the latest building codes, within budget and on schedule.

This New Jersey home remodel transforms a traditional residence in Lawrence Township into a cohesive blend of functionality, warmth, and modernized character. The concept bridges classic charm with refined industrial and farmhouse touches, guided by intentional color palettes, texture layering, and thoughtful spatial improvements. Key objectives included enhancing livability, increasing storage, expanding utility zones (mudroom, screened porch, garage), and updating kitchen and bath spaces with cohesive, high-end finishes.