When you find a home that meets most of your needs in a neighborhood you love, remodeling to make it more suitable for your family’s lifestyle can make that house your dream home. That’s what happened in this remodeling story. Our clients purchased a home built in 1983 with the plan to remodel the kitchen to suit their needs and tastes. The galley style kitchen was positioned at the center and rear of the main level and had an eat-in area at one end and a pantry at the opposite end. A small pass-through allowed view into the adjacent family room, but otherwise the two spaces were closed off from one another. The existing espresso stained cabinetry was attractive, but it darkened and narrowed the kitchen. The homeowners wanted the kitchen to feel more connected to the other main level living spaces. Creating more light and improving organization and storage were must haves for the new design. They also requested relocating the pantry from under the stairs and longed for a ventilation system that would vent the cooking smells outdoors rather than throughout the inside of the house. Our design involved removing a portion of wall between the kitchen and living room. This one change made it feel larger, more open and bright. It also connected the kitchen to the living room and allowed the two spaces to flow freely into one another. This new open area allowed us to extend the granite countertop to create a peninsula/bar that provides additional seating. To improve the existing lighting plan, we added new LED recessed lights, under-cabinet lighting, and pendant lighting over the peninsula. The selections were integral in making the kitchen feel lighter and larger. Our clients chose maple cabinetry with an oak stained tumbleweed finish paired with creamy granite countertops, and a pearl tumbled travertine backsplash. A few standout features include a set of floating shelves, concrete farmhouse sink, and mercury glass pendant lights. Flooring throughout the first floor was updated to an easy to maintain wood-look vinyl plank floor. Several new storage options were added including new cabinetry where the old pantry used to be, which accommodates the microwave in an upper cabinet as well as storage for small cooking appliances so they don’t take up space on the counters. There’s also a unique angled cabinet right next to the refrigerator. When the work was complete on this project we were very pleased that the design delivered exactly what the homeowners had envisioned. In addition, we were able to complete the construction without causing too much disturbance or disruption for the homeowners; one works the night shift, and was actually able to sleep during the day, and the other travels frequently for work and felt confident that the project was in good hands.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, FINALIST AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $50,000 to $100,000 “Crowded and disturbing” is how the woman of the house described this kitchen. A big peninsula with a huge range hood blocked the kitchen off from the breakfast room, a chimney style wall blocked off another side of the space and the doorways were too narrow. The result was a cramped feel with no traffic flow and a lack of usable storage. To remedy these issues, the remodeling plan called for regrouping all tall kitchen elements into a low visibility wall, eliminating the peninsula and then creating a natural path through the space using a middle island. Relocating the stove against the room’s back wall allowed the installation of a beautiful wood mantel hood and improved the work triangle. The side walls house beautiful custom white cabinets; one side housing the pantry, refrigerator and double wall ovens, the other the kitchen sink and dishwasher. The center island features a mahogany wood countertop and provides plenty of workspace above and storage below. Contrasting with the glazed cabinets, the woodwork is a highlight of the project and a key part of delivering on the homeowner’s desire for a bright, clean kitchen. They installed exotic mahogany floors that complement the center wood Island. The floors also had created a casual ambiance, especially against the soft lemon chiffon wall paint. The ultimate French country style kitchen was completed by furnishing the old breakfast area with casual seating rather than a formal table.

: This kitchen required a major remodel. The existing space was as unattractive as it was nonfunctional. Old non-working appliances, a dead-end space with no flow to adjacent rooms, poor lighting, and a sewer line running through the middle of the cabinets. Instead of being a haven for this working couple and extended family, the space was a nightmare. The designer was retained to create spaces for family gatherings to enjoy cooking and baking, provide storage for daily needs as well as bulk good storage and allow the kitchen to be the center piece of the home with improved access and flow throughout. Additions to the Wishlist were a mud room, laundry (not in the garage) and a place for the cats. A small addition created enough room to accommodate an island/peninsula layout suitable for baking and casual eating, a large range, generous storage both below and above the countertop. A full-size microwave convection oven built into the island provides additional baking capacity. Dish storage is in a customized drawer to make access easier for the petite client. A large framed pantry for food and essentials is located next to the island/peninsula. The old closet which contained the water meter and shut off valves now provides storage for brooms, vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies and bulk goods. The ceiling heights in the entire home were low so in the addition a vaulted ceiling aligning with adjacent sunroom visually opened the room. This reimagined room is now the heart of the home.

2013 CHRYSALIS AWARD NATIONAL WINNER, KITCHEN REMODEL $50,000 TO $75,000 “Crowded and disturbing” is how the woman of the house described this kitchen. A big peninsula with a huge range hood blocked the kitchen off from the breakfast room, a chimney style wall blocked off another side of the space and the doorways were too narrow. The result was a cramped feel with no traffic flow and a lack of usable storage. To remedy these issues, the remodeling plan called for regrouping all tall kitchen elements into a low visibility wall, eliminating the peninsula and then creating a natural path through the space using a middle island. Relocating the stove against the room’s back wall allowed the installation of a beautiful wood mantel hood and improved the work triangle. The side walls house beautiful custom white cabinets; one side housing the pantry, refrigerator and double wall ovens, the other the kitchen sink and dishwasher. The center island features a mahogany wood countertop and provides plenty of workspace above and storage below. Contrasting with the glazed cabinets, the woodwork is a highlight of the project and a key part of delivering on the homeowner’s desire for a bright, clean kitchen. They installed exotic mahogany floors to complement center wood Island. The floors also had created a casual ambiance, especially against the soft lemon chiffon wall paint. The ultimate French country style kitchen was completed by furnishing the old breakfast area with casual seating rather than a formal table.

The kitchen was dark overall and the cherry cabinets had darkened over time and paired with a black granite countertop, left them wanting. Avid coffee drinkers, a morning espresso for the pair was a must have. Their favorite coffee machine was important in their kitchen; however they didn’t love that it was visible on the counter even when not in use. A large peninsula separated the eat-in dining area, putting a barrier between the cook and guests. The island, while large, was two levels, and limited the work area because of the raised area. Finally, a nearby business center ended up being a catch-all, causing stress for this organized duo. After living in the home for a bit, they wanted to take the kitchen and make it theirs. The new kitchen design features white maple cabinets with a quartzite countertop in the color Taj Mahal. The slightly larger island eliminates the peninsula so that it feels open and cohesive, while butcher block countertops on either side of the range provide a beautiful and functional option. Additional cabinets, hidden behind the chairs on the back of the island provide additional storage options for specialty dishes. Large matte black pendant lights with brass interiors hang over the island and dining area. Wooden and wire pot racks enclose the island pendants for a fun and attractive way to store cooking pans. Overall, the kitchen color profile is much lighter than before with white subway tiles on the backsplash. A touch of whimsy in the design can be found in the form of a small nod to New England’s Cape Cod with a custom tile map over the range that they picked up in their travels. A creamy beadboard ceiling gives the room a beautiful custom look while staying on theme. A favorite feature is the appliance garage that holds their ever-important espresso machine but hides it away when not in use. Little details like their pop-up outlets make a big splash with everyday use, while the built-in cabinets in the hallway offer additional kitchen storage, book storage and display cabinets at the top complete with special lighting.

Awesome Norristown PA bi-level home remodel. We gutted the whole first level of this home down to the bare bones. We redesigned the space to an open floorplan. New structural framing, insulation, windows and doors, and all mechanicals were relocated and improved. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! everywhere and it makes all the difference. Led lighting and smart switches were used for up lighting above cabinetry, task lighting under cabinetry, general room lighting, accent lighting under bar top, and all decorative fixtures as well. The kitchen was designed around a central island with elevated seating that is designed around the new structural columns required to open the whole area. Fabuwood cabinetry in Galaxy Horizon finish make up the perimeter cabinets accented by Galaxy Cobblestone finish used for the island cabinetry. Both cabinetry tones coordinate perfect with the new Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Uptown Chic Forever Friends. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, luxury vinyl is Awesome! It looks great its ultra durable and even water proof as well as less expensive than true hardwood. New stair treads, railings, and posts were installed stained to match by us; giving the steps new life. An accent wall of nickel gap boards was installed on the fireplace wall giving it some interest along with being a great clean look. The recessed niche behind the range, the dry stacked stone tile at the islands seating area, the new tile entry in a herringbone pattern just add to all the great details of this project. The New River White granite countertops are a show stopper as well; not only is it a beautiful stone the installation and seaming is excellent considering the pattern of the stone. I could go on forever we did so much. The clients were terrific and a pleasure to work with. I am glad we were able to be involved in making this dream come true.

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. Custom built ins in adjacent seating/lounge area to mirror and match the existing arches in a rift cut oak finish.

: This kitchen required a major remodel. The existing space was as unattractive as it was nonfunctional. Old non-working appliances, a dead-end space with no flow to adjacent rooms, poor lighting, and a sewer line running through the middle of the cabinets. Instead of being a haven for this working couple and extended family, the space was a nightmare. The designer was retained to create spaces for family gatherings to enjoy cooking and baking, provide storage for daily needs as well as bulk good storage and allow the kitchen to be the center piece of the home with improved access and flow throughout. Additions to the Wishlist were a mud room, laundry (not in the garage) and a place for the cats. A small addition created enough room to accommodate an island/peninsula layout suitable for baking and casual eating, a large range, generous storage both below and above the countertop. A full-size microwave convection oven built into the island provides additional baking capacity. Dish storage is in a customized drawer to make access easier for the petite client. A large framed pantry for food and essentials is located next to the island/peninsula. The old closet which contained the water meter and shut off valves now provides storage for brooms, vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies and bulk goods. The ceiling heights in the entire home were low so in the addition a vaulted ceiling aligning with adjacent sunroom visually opened the room. This reimagined room is now the heart of the home.

Large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

2013 CHRYSALIS AWARD NATIONAL WINNER, KITCHEN REMODEL $50,000 TO $75,000 “Crowded and disturbing” is how the woman of the house described this kitchen. A big peninsula with a huge range hood blocked the kitchen off from the breakfast room, a chimney style wall blocked off another side of the space and the doorways were too narrow. The result was a cramped feel with no traffic flow and a lack of usable storage. To remedy these issues, the remodeling plan called for regrouping all tall kitchen elements into a low visibility wall, eliminating the peninsula and then creating a natural path through the space using a middle island. Relocating the stove against the room’s back wall allowed the installation of a beautiful wood mantel hood and improved the work triangle. The side walls house beautiful custom white cabinets; one side housing the pantry, refrigerator and double wall ovens, the other the kitchen sink and dishwasher. The center island features a mahogany wood countertop and provides plenty of workspace above and storage below. Contrasting with the glazed cabinets, the woodwork is a highlight of the project and a key part of delivering on the homeowner’s desire for a bright, clean kitchen. They installed exotic mahogany floors to complement center wood Island. The floors also had created a casual ambiance, especially against the soft lemon chiffon wall paint. The ultimate French country style kitchen was completed by furnishing the old breakfast area with casual seating rather than a formal table.

When a best friend calls to renovate her kitchen, we get extra excited! While many of our projects involve removing walls to create open floor plans, sometimes the biggest impact can come from revising the layout, improving functionality and upgrading finishes. Such was the case at our Devon Lane remodel. Reworking the awkwardly shaped island, eliminating a clunky soffit, relocating the refrigerator to a more accessible location and creating an elegant finish palette were our main goals when we set out to design this space. The work triangle began to evolve, and the outcome provided a large island with seating and a prep sink, ideal for hosting social gatherings. The wine bar, flanked by tall pantries, complements the rest of the kitchen, looking beautiful while providing lots of function. The new professional range and other high-end appliances make preparing meals a pleasure. The fabulous custom hood is a delightful focal point. The glazed ivory cabinets, black antiqued granite, iron light fixtures and hardware, nickel sinks and faucets bring the whole space together with an elevated, traditional feel. Hanging out with our bestie in her lovely home just got even better! Matt Villano Photography

Enhance the aesthetic appeal and security of your Los Angeles property with our expert vinyl gate and fence upgrade services. Our team specializes in transforming your outdoor space into a stylish, low-maintenance oasis that seamlessly blends with the unique charm of Los Angeles. Our Services: Custom Vinyl Fence Materials and Installation: We offer top-notch vinyl fence installation services, providing you with a wide range of design options and colors to choose from. Say goodbye to the hassle of regular painting or staining – our vinyl fences are built to withstand the Southern California sun and are virtually maintenance-free. Gate Enhancement: Secure your property with an elegant and automated gate system. Our gate enhancement services ensure that your entrance not only provides security but also adds a touch of sophistication to your Los Angeles home. Privacy Fencing: Enjoy peace and seclusion in your backyard with our privacy fencing solutions. Our vinyl panels are designed to keep prying eyes out, allowing you to relax in a private sanctuary right in the heart of the city. Custom Design: Our team specializes in custom fence design, ensuring that your vinyl gate and fence upgrade perfectly complements your property's architecture and your personal style.

The Clients: two passionate chefs. The Commission: to help them design the perfect Kitchen in which to prepare myriad delectable dishes that they love to plan and execute. The Main Requirements: enough storage to accommodate countless spices, cooking equipment and implements; lots of natural light; and a traditionally detailed, but not overdone design. We nearly doubled the size of the original galley kitchen by pushing out toward the backyard; laid out the appliances so as to maximize efficiency and work surface area; and designed custom built pull-outs for spice jars, and storage for special cookware, small appliances, cutlery and utensils. The inspiration for the cabinetry design was the Clients’ impeccable selections of appliances and finishes, and their request for tasteful, simple detailing. The focal point, the heart of this Kitchen, is the beautiful porcelain French stove and custom-designed hood cover. Leaded glass panels in the coffered ceiling add charm and hide roof skylights included in the design to maximize natural light. The large island with porcelain farm sink offers the Clients ample work surface as well as informal seating and storage. A desk / hutch cabinet provides a “central control station” for the family’s activities, as well as display for the Clients’ formal dishes and stemware. Other improvements included a much-needed Walk-In Pantry achieved by enclosing an existing side porch, and enhanced flow between the Kitchen and Family Room. We accomplished this by removing an existing column and beam which previously blocked the physical and visual connection between the two spaces. We are delighted with the transformation of the original little galley into our Clients’ dream Kitchen … and our Clients are thrilled that their new Kitchen has cut in half their time spent in epic cooking sessions on the weekends!

Successful Master Bathroom Shower Surround Completed! The challenge was to incorporate the master bath shower with the existing decor in this beautiful rustic mountain home. Existing exterior rock and a river rock fireplace and tub surround were the starting point for the choice of materials. The existing rock colors were grays with hints of blue undertones. Pebble mosaics with the same color range were the perfect answer. The large format gray porcelain tiles look like natural stone with their realistic white veining. The results were stunning and create a seamless feeling withing the existing decor. This shower provides a brand new, updated, spacious space for the new home owners. Client shares testimonial and review on Google: "Karen was so helpful in picking tile for my new shower. She took the time to come to my house to make sure the samples we picked out matched. The shower looks fantastic. We will definitely use French Creek again." - See more reviews on Facebook and Google. Making Your Home Beautiful One Room at a Time… French Creek Designs Kitchen & Bath Design Studio - where selections begin. Let us design and dream with you. Overwhelmed on where to start that Home Improvement, Kitchen or Bath Project? Let our Designers video conference or sit down with you, take the overwhelming out of the picture and assist in choosing your materials. Whether new construction, full remodel or just a partial remodel, we can help you to make it an enjoyable experience to design your dream space. Call to schedule a free design consultation with one of our exceptional designers today! 307-337-4500 #openforbusiness #casper #wyoming #casperbusiness #frenchcreekdesigns #shoplocal #casperwyoming #bathremodeling #bathdesigners #pebbles #niche #showersurround #showertiles #showerdrains #showerbench #cabinets #countertops #knobsandpulls #sinksandfaucets #flooring #tileandmosiacs #laundryremodel #homeimprovement

The Clients: two passionate chefs. The Commission: to help them design the perfect Kitchen in which to prepare myriad delectable dishes that they love to plan and execute. The Main Requirements: enough storage to accommodate countless spices, cooking equipment and implements; lots of natural light; and a traditionally detailed, but not overdone design. We nearly doubled the size of the original galley kitchen by pushing out toward the backyard; laid out the appliances so as to maximize efficiency and work surface area; and designed custom built pull-outs for spice jars, and storage for special cookware, small appliances, cutlery and utensils. The inspiration for the cabinetry design was the Clients’ impeccable selections of appliances and finishes, and their request for tasteful, simple detailing. The focal point, the heart of this Kitchen, is the beautiful porcelain French stove and custom-designed hood cover. Leaded glass panels in the coffered ceiling add charm and hide roof skylights included in the design to maximize natural light. The large island with porcelain farm sink offers the Clients ample work surface as well as informal seating and storage. A desk / hutch cabinet provides a “central control station” for the family’s activities, as well as display for the Clients’ formal dishes and stemware. Other improvements included a much-needed Walk-In Pantry achieved by enclosing an existing side porch, and enhanced flow between the Kitchen and Family Room. We accomplished this by removing an existing column and beam which previously blocked the physical and visual connection between the two spaces. We are delighted with the transformation of the original little galley into our Clients’ dream Kitchen … and our Clients are thrilled that their new Kitchen has cut in half their time spent in epic cooking sessions on the weekends!

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER A military couple bought this single family home in a prominent Mount Vernon neighborhood about a year ago. The home had a three-level deck on the back of the house which was falling apart and from which there was no access via the kitchen or breakfast area. Additionally, water run-off was washing a large amount of dirt against the lower level basement door because there was little in terms of landscaping in place. The homeowners wanted to entertain in the backyard and have a good flow from the family room and kitchen onto the back patio. To help them achieve their goals, they hired Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes as their contractor. The first step in the renovation was to remove the entire back deck. Next, they designed and built an 18’x 45’ concrete foundation and slab; designed and built a tall retaining wall coved with flagstone to support the upper level patio; and installed a new patio with flagstone and brick pavers. The new patio level only requires two short steps to get inside of the house. A new set of French doors with sidelights replaces the old breakfast room window to improve the traffic pattern. A new set of French doors with ½ arched transom and two side windows connects the new gourmet kitchen to the back patio. The kitchen offers professional-grade stainless steel appliances, hard wood floors, granite countertops with a tile backsplash and beautiful custom cabinetry. A large center island is the focal point of the room and the gathering spot in this new space.

Thinking outside the box can lead to extraordinary spaces, like this built in seating area.
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor kitchen photo with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Most designers will tell you the most difficult project is to work on is your own home. My kitchen remodel was no different for me. We loved our previous downtown loft with the large open spaces and wanted to recreate that feel in our new suburban townhouse. The townhome had wonderful views of the woods but lacked an open floor plan, sophisticated finishes and character we desired. The original kitchen, though open to the living area, had two small islands. One cut the kitchen off from the living areas. The other island had the cooktop and not the sink as I had wished. In fact the sink faced the wall. The challenge was to improve the flow of the room, take advantage of the view and make it more conducive for entertaining. The island was expanded to hold the sink and seating to gather while entertaining. It faces the living space and the views of the woods. All the appliances including a steam oven and TV had to be located on the wall behind the island. A custom appliance cabinet was designed to hold the microwave drawer, steam oven and TV. That unit along with the refrigerator and range make the entire wall appear balanced without being cluttered. With a large open plan, the finishes needed to be as sophisticated as the adjacent living room. The furniture quality cabinetry is creamy white with a grey highlight and the island is a natural stained walnut; colors and materials that are repeated throughout the house. The backsplash tile is a custom cut limestone that matches the new fireplace surround in the adjacent living room. Mission accomplished – the new space is opened up. It’s far more organized and sophisticated. And it functions perfectly while entertaining in our “loft in the woods”.

When Lisa told me she loved midcentury modern design, we instantly connected! I love bringing homes up-to-date while keeping a sense of midcentury style. This kitchen needed an improved layout and, by simply moving the refrigerator, we achieved a more open space with added storage, including a banquette for sipping morning coffee. Warm wood tones are true to the style. The cabinetry, paired with creamy Cambria countertops and gold hardware, creates a warm and inviting space.