Search results for "Improving long term" in Home Design Ideas

Transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling home office photo in Omaha with white walls

The client was recently widowed and had been wanting to remodel her kitchen for a long time. Although the floor plan of the space remained the same, the kitchen received a major makeover in terms of aesthetic and function to fit the style and needs of the client and her small dog in this water front residence.
The peninsula was brought down in height to achieve a more spacious and inviting feel into the living space and patio facing the water. Shades of gray were used to veer away from the all white kitchen and adding a dark gray entertainment unit really added drama to the space.
Schedule an appointment with one of our designers:
http://www.gkandb.com/contact-us/
DESIGNER: CJ LOWENTHAL
PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVE JOHNSON
CABINETS: DURA SUPREME CABINETRY

Photography by Tre Dunham
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash
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© Sharon Risedorph
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in San Francisco with white walls
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in San Francisco with white walls

On this part of the project, the back of the house was originally shingled and the front modernized. Through the renovation of this Tudor house, Sitework, Inc. created period details to realize the Tudor look and establish the house as a major period abode.
Jordan Pysz

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gender-neutral light wood floor and beige floor walk-in closet remodel in Boston with open cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Always up for a challenge, we helped this family transform their stucco ski house inside and out! Inside, we opened up walls, and by re-configuring the spaces, created a mudroom, pantry, laundry and powder room. Outside, we are adding a craftsman-inspired covered entry and porch as well as replacing siding, trim and windows. Together these improvements will give new life to what was a tired 60's stucco chalet and elevate it to a higher plane of existence.
Photo: Carolyn Bates

Our clients had been in their home since the early 1980’s and decided it was time for some updates. We took on the kitchen, two bathrooms and a powder room.
The primary objectives for the powder room were to update the materials and provide some storage in the small space. It was also important to the homeowners to have materials that would be easy to maintain over the long term. A Kohler tailored vanity and coordinating medicine cabinet provide ample storage for the small room. The dark wood vanity and textured wallpaper add contrast and texture to the home’s soft gray pallet. The integrated sink top and ceramic floor tile were budget-friendly and low maintenance. The homeowners were not too sure about the patterned floor tile but once installed it became one of their favorite elements of the project!
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Landscape Design: Molly Wood Garden Design
Architect: Brandon Architects, Inc.
Interior/ Styling: Kelly Nutt Design
Photo Credit: Lane Dittoe
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Orange County.
Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Orange County.

A custom designed and built floating staircase with stainless steel railings and custom bamboo stair treads. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Photography by Dana Hoff Photography

Inspiration for a large transitional partial sun backyard mulch formal garden in Minneapolis.

The architecture of this mid-century ranch in Portland’s West Hills oozes modernism’s core values. We wanted to focus on areas of the home that didn’t maximize the architectural beauty. The Client—a family of three, with Lucy the Great Dane, wanted to improve what was existing and update the kitchen and Jack and Jill Bathrooms, add some cool storage solutions and generally revamp the house.
We totally reimagined the entry to provide a “wow” moment for all to enjoy whilst entering the property. A giant pivot door was used to replace the dated solid wood door and side light.
We designed and built new open cabinetry in the kitchen allowing for more light in what was a dark spot. The kitchen got a makeover by reconfiguring the key elements and new concrete flooring, new stove, hood, bar, counter top, and a new lighting plan.
Our work on the Humphrey House was featured in Dwell Magazine.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Interior remodel to four 1,900sf penthouse apartments to re-position them in the market as boutique short-term rental units. Improvements include new kitchen and bathrooms and new finishes throughout. This project was published as the Kitchen of the Week in Remodelista June, 2016.
Photography by Eric Staudenmaier.

Example of a huge trendy kitchen design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets and an island

Planning a Modern Kitchen Remodel
Every successful kitchen remodeling project begins with careful planning. Before construction starts, it is important to evaluate the existing layout, cabinet storage, lighting conditions, appliance placement, and how the kitchen connects to surrounding living spaces.
For this project, the primary design goals included:
Creating a brighter open concept kitchen
Improving functionality and circulation
Increasing pantry and cabinet storage
Maximizing natural light with skylight integration
Creating a clean and timeless design aesthetic
The final layout centered around a large kitchen island that functions as both a workspace and gathering area. Open concept kitchens remain highly desirable because they improve communication between living areas while helping the home feel larger and more connected.
Importance of Natural Light
Natural lighting plays a major role in modern kitchen remodeling. In this renovation, the skylight significantly improved brightness throughout the space and helped create a softer, more inviting atmosphere during the day.
Combined with recessed lighting and pendant fixtures above the island, the layered lighting design provides both functional task lighting and balanced ambient illumination.
Construction and Material Selection
Kitchen remodeling projects require coordination between multiple construction trades including demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and finish carpentry.
Bi-Color Kitchen Remodel Design
One of the standout features of this project is the bi-color kitchen remodel design. The warm natural wood island creates contrast against the surrounding white cabinetry while maintaining a clean and balanced appearance.
This approach helps:
Add visual depth to the kitchen
Create separation between functional zones
Prevent the space from feeling overly monochromatic
Introduce warmth into modern kitchen designs
The oversized island also provides additional storage, countertop workspace, and seating opportunities for everyday use and entertaining.
Countertops, Cabinetry, and Finishes
The kitchen includes:
Quartz countertops with waterfall-style edges
Custom shaker-style cabinetry
Stainless steel appliances
Modern pendant lighting
Wide plank engineered hardwood flooring
Full-height backsplash surfaces
The neutral color palette was selected to create a timeless appearance while allowing flexibility for future décor and furniture changes.
Pantry Kitchen Renovation
Storage planning is one of the most important aspects of kitchen remodeling. The pantry kitchen renovation focused on improving organization and accessibility while maximizing usable storage space.
Modern pantry systems help homeowners:
Reduce countertop clutter
Improve kitchen organization
Store small appliances more efficiently
Increase long-term functionality
Thoughtful storage design can significantly improve the daily usability of a kitchen without increasing square footage.
Real Estate Value and Long-Term Benefits
Kitchen remodeling remains one of the highest-value residential renovation projects in the Bay Area real estate market. A professionally designed open concept kitchen can improve buyer perception, increase property appeal, and modernize outdated layouts.
Features such as large islands, skylights, pantry storage, and bi-color cabinetry continue to remain highly desirable among homeowners and future buyers alike.
Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
Some common mistakes homeowners should avoid include:
Insufficient lighting design
Poor circulation planning
Limited storage solutions
Choosing low-durability materials
Overcrowded layouts
Inadequate electrical preparation
Working with experienced remodeling professionals can help avoid costly design and construction issues later in the process.
Common Questions
How long does a kitchen remodel usually take?
Most kitchen remodeling projects take approximately 6–12 weeks depending on the project scope, inspections, material lead times, and structural modifications.
Do kitchen remodels require permits?
Permits are often required when plumbing, electrical, structural, or layout changes are involved. Requirements vary depending on the city and scope of work.
What is a bi-color kitchen remodel?
A bi-color kitchen remodel uses two cabinet finishes or tones to create visual contrast and a more customized design appearance.
Does an open concept kitchen increase home value?
Open concept kitchens are highly desirable because they improve functionality, natural lighting, and overall flow throughout the home.
Conclusion
A well-planned kitchen remodeling project combines thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and durable materials to create a space that is both functional and visually appealing. Features such as skylight integration, open concept layouts, pantry kitchen renovations, and bi-color cabinetry continue to remain popular among Bay Area homeowners seeking timeless and practical kitchen designs.
Careful planning, professional coordination, and attention to detail are essential for creating a kitchen that performs well aesthetically and functionally for many years.
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If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project, consulting with an experienced contractor can help simplify the design and construction process while avoiding costly mistakes.
Book a consultation:
calendly.com/lemonremodeling

Unlimited Style Photography
Deck - small contemporary backyard deck idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola
Deck - small contemporary backyard deck idea in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a pergola

Lincoln Farmhouse
LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy
OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home.
CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home.
FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath.
NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars.
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.)
o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI)
o 16,200 kwh total production
o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive.
WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates.
FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage.
RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning.
ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse
CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/
PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/
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