Search results for "Improving insulation" in Home Design Ideas

Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.

In this project, we replaced the living room’s original Hunter Douglas Vignette® roman shades with Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® PowerView® honeycomb shades. The homeowners had recently remodeled, and while the romans were still functional, they no longer matched the updated design.
The new honeycomb shades provide:
✅ A clean, modern look that complements the remodel
✅ Energy efficiency with superior insulation
✅ Smart home convenience using PowerView® automation
✅ Full light control and privacy with style
Whether you’re updating your home after a remodel or looking for window treatments that improve comfort and efficiency, Duette honeycomb shades are a versatile solution.
? Installed in Seattle’s View Ridge neighborhood—a beautiful example of how custom window coverings can refresh a space.
Find the right local pro for your project

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

This stunning full renovation project, completed by Santech Construction in approximately nine months, involved a comprehensive transformation of the entire home. The renovation included a brand-new kitchen, fully updated bathrooms, new flooring throughout, a reconfigured living space, a rebuilt staircase, modern insulation, and the restoration of the outdoor patio—delivering both style and functionality from top to bottom.
The creative vision behind the renovation was a true collaboration between Santech's President, Netanel, and the homeowner. Remarkably, the design was conceptualized without any formal background in interior design, proving that passion and vision can bring extraordinary results.
All design elements were brought to life with high-quality craftsmanship, practical layout improvements, and a focus on comfort and elegance.
Photography by Jim Albert.
You can read more about our historic renovations on our website - https://santechconstruction.com/historic-renovations/

How do you improve on midcentury modern? Lincoln Lighthill Architect’s extensive renovation of an early 60's, Eichler-esque home on Twin Peaks answers the question by picking up where the original house left off, with simple but important updates that reimagine this unique home.
By replacing punched windows with walls of glass, removing interior walls and opening up a 40’ wide living space with a large steel moment frame, inserting skylights at key locations to bring light deep into the interior, and cantilevering a steel and timber deck off the front to take in the spectacular view, the full potential of the original design is realized.
The renovation included an inside and out rethinking of how the home functions, with new kitchen, bathrooms, and finishes throughout. A comprehensive energy upgrade included efficient windows, LED lighting and dimming controls, spray-foam insulation throughout, efficient furnace upgrades, and pre-wiring for a rooftop solar system.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
EverHome Improvement & Design
Top Choice for Reliable Tile & Stone | Franklin County, Ohio

Cellular window shades are a modern window treatment solution constructed of multiple, small honeycomb cells within the shades. Cellular shades offer excellent insulation and improve a room's energy efficiency.
Our luxurious cellular window shades are designed with innovative honeycomb-shaped cells, available in three cell sizes and four light control levels. Budget Blinds of Newburyport offers cellular window shades in a variety of styles and colors.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes.
Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings.
Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

Example of a large classic white two-story stucco exterior home design in Los Angeles with a shingle roof

The clients were deeply attached to their existing home and its prime location, but they needed more space. The goal was to expand while preserving the character of the historical house and enhancing the ocean views. This extensive renovation modernized the space, improved its flow, and seamlessly integrated a new addition.
To boost energy efficiency, we upgraded insulation throughout and replaced all windows. Inside, we refreshed the interiors with white oak ceiling beams that added warmth and delineated spaces within the open floor plan. The main stair was transformed into a striking modern feature, featuring a steel center stringer and glass rails. This design choice maintains transparency, keeping the kitchen connected to the other areas on the first floor while elevating the overall aesthetic.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
EverHome Improvement & Design
Top Choice for Reliable Tile & Stone | Franklin County, Ohio

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.

Special thanks to our client who shared this photo with us after their addition had been completed and they were able to begin using their new space.
Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in New York
Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in New York

Our clients envisioned a complete basement renovation that would transform the space into a functional and inviting area. We began by thoroughly understanding their needs and preferences, ensuring that every detail was aligned with their vision. The project involved installing spray foam insulation to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. We carefully removed existing partition walls to accommodate the new design, seamlessly constructing and installing new interior walls.
Our team provided and installed updated electrical and plumbing services, ensuring everything met current codes and specifications. To create a comfortable environment, we introduced a new HVAC zone, seamlessly integrating it with the home’s existing system. The renovation included the construction of a new bathroom, kitchen, office space, and living area, all tailored to the client’s specifications.
Attention to detail was paramount, with custom shelving and vinyl plank flooring adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Throughout the project, we maintained open communication, ensuring the clients were informed and satisfied with every step.
Our dedication to excellence and client satisfaction resulted in a beautifully renovated basement that perfectly matched the client's vision. At Homeowner Services of Michigan, we are committed to bringing your home renovation dreams to life with precision, care, and a focus on your needs.

Sponsored
Delaware County, OH
Whisler Home Improvement
Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals

This full gut remodel of an original 1960s home on the beautiful hillside of west-shore in Tahoe brought modern functionality and a peaceful transformation to a family mountain escape. Unbeatable views drove this design to expand a lakeside window wall, enlarge a kitchen for more communal living, and reclaim available crawlspace for extra bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs to house a growing family tree. We installed custom white oak cabinetry, honed quartz countertops, engineered hardwood flooring, new electrical and spray foam insulation to improve performance and extend longevity.
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