Search results for "Increased confidence" in Home Design Ideas
DKOR Interiors Inc.- Interior Designers Miami, FLMiami Interior Designers - Residential Interior Design Project in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A classic Mediterranean home turns Contemporary by DKOR Interiors.
Photo: Alexia Fodere
Interior Design by Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Interior Designers, DKOR Interiors.
www.dkorinteriors.com
Exterior Design + DecksOutdoor kitchen deck - large transitional backyard outdoor kitchen deck idea in Atlanta with a roof extension
Twelve Stones Designs, LLCThe owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit.
Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable.
The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside.
Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune.
The clients' needs and desires were:
➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups
➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas
➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework
➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme
➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage
➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave
➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook
Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by:
➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion
➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage.
➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners.
➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals.
The project is enhanced functionally by:
➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island
➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table.
➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers
➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen
➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room.
➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage.
➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware.
➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards.
The project is enhanced aesthetically by:
➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling
➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven
➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island
➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches
➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors.
➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space.
➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches.
Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC:
➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band.
➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging.
➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.
Design obstacles to overcome:
➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel.
➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits
➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components.
Evidence of superior craftsmanship:
➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal
➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen
➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look
➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space
➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.
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Village Home StoresOil-Rubbed Bronze handles are the perfect choice to compliment the black accent glaze on these Rustic Beech cabinets.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, black appliances and an island
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, black appliances and an island
safe ZOneaIn 2026, DIY home design and renovation will become easier than ever. Free mobile apps like Houzz, Homestyler, and Planner 5D will put professional tools in everyone’s pocket, letting users visualize layouts, test colors, and estimate costs before buying materials. Experts predict that over 50% of homeowners will use apps to plan upgrades. It will save money and reduce costly mistakes. Even now, about 54% prefer mobile tools.
Why Mobile Apps are Changing Home Renovation
DIY renovation has changed a lot in recent years. Homeowners don’t have to rely on sketches or guesswork anymore. Thanks to AR, AI, and 3D renderings, apps can show exactly how furniture and cabinets will fit. By 2026, many of these tools will be free - and packed with features that rival expensive software. With just a smartphone, anyone can try out layouts, test colors, and even create detailed floor plans.
The Tech Behind Modern Design Apps
Most renovation apps now leverage AI to generate design suggestions. They are based on your space and preferences. Upload a photo of your room. The algorithms will check the sizes, lighting, and features. Then, they’ll suggest furniture layouts or color schemes. Some apps use your phone’s camera and sensor. They make accurate measurements, so you won’t need tape measures or notepads.
Top Free Apps Transforming DIY Projects
Houzz continues to lead the pack with its massive photo library and ability to connect users with local contractors. The platform now gives AI design suggestions. It looks at your style preferences across millions of professional spaces.
For anyone serious about planning their next project, exploring comprehensive resources helps narrow down what works. It’s just like in iGaming, where review platforms like Slotzilla help gamblers to find casinos with user-friendly tools, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots that will work for them.
Planner 5D shines with realistic 3D renderings and a huge furniture catalog, letting you switch between 2D plans and 3D walkthroughs - even in VR. Room Planner helps you design practical layouts. You can easily arrange furniture and check dimensions. It offers real-time 3D views and features items from real brands.
Apps for Specific Renovation Tasks
Not every project needs full 3D renderings - sometimes you just want to try paint colors or test tile patterns. ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams uses AR to show colors on your actual walls and even matches shades from photos. Magicplan makes creating floor plans easy by measuring rooms with your phone as you walk around. Both apps help plan renovations and communicate ideas without the guesswork.
Budget Tracking and Project Management
Renovation apps do more than make spaces look good - managing budgets and timelines is just as important. HomeZada even uses AI to predict your budget and track material prices, so DIYers don’t get hit with surprise costs. Trello is a lifesaver - set deadlines, track progress, and share updates with anyone helping on the project.
How Apps Reflect 2026 Design Trends
This year’s popular apps reflect the largest home design trends. Colorful rooms are on the rise. Zillow shows a 149% increase in listings. Plus, apps like Houzz let users test bold shades before making a choice. Cozy reading nooks are also on the rise, showing up in nearly half of listings. Renovation apps now provide templates. They include tips for shelves and lighting. This helps create cozy, thoughtful spaces.
Here’s a quick comparison of what different free apps offer:
App name
Best feature
Learning curve
Platform
Houzz
25M+ inspiration photos
Easy
iOS, Android
Planner 5D
Photorealistic 3D renders
Moderate
iOS, Android, Web
Room Planner
Accurate measurements
Easy
iOS, Android
Magicplan
Auto floor plan creation
Easy
iOS, Android
Natural materials and earthy tones will lead design trends in 2026. Warm neutrals will take over from the grey-and-white minimalism of the last ten years.
The AI Revolution in Home Design
AI is no longer just a gimmick in renovation apps. Chat features can suggest furniture layouts, color palettes, and materials for your budget. It’s like having a designer on call. Renovate AI turns photos of your room into multiple style ideas in seconds, from mid-century to rustic farmhouse. It’s great for brainstorming and getting past the “I don’t know what I want” stage.
Practical Tips for Using Renovation Apps
Getting the most from design apps requires a strategic approach. Here are essential steps every DIYer should follow:
Start by gathering inspiration. Look through photo libraries on Houzz or Pinterest. Then, dive into detailed planning.
Don’t rely solely on screen colors; get actual paint chips and fabric swatches.
Save multiple design versions. Create variations of your plan to compare options side-by-side.
This workflow helps you avoid common mistakes. It leads to better design choices before you buy anything.
When Apps Aren’t Enough
Digital tools can’t do everything. Big structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing always need a pro. Apps are great for planning and talking with contractors, but they can’t replace expertise. And always check textures in real life - that sofa might look perfect on screen, but feel different.
The Future of DIY Renovation
In 2026, renovation apps will become smarter. They’ll have voice control and better AR. Improved AI will make DIY design feel more like professional services. Creating beautiful, functional spaces is easier than ever. For homeowners, it’s important to use apps that match local materials and building codes. The biggest benefit is confidence - seeing your design in 3D makes projects far less intimidating.
SSTop Real Estate App Development Companies Delivering Smart PropTech Solutions
The real estate industry is experiencing a revolution in technology as there have been developments in the form of mobile applications, which have now become essential tools and prove to be an integral part for buyers and sellers as well as agents and developers in this industry. The application of technology in the form of virtual tours and property recommendations through artificial intelligence and other such technology has brought about a new way of doing real estate business. It has been found out through statistics that the PropTech industry will experience considerable growth in the next decade due to the increased use of smartphones, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Why Real Estate Apps Are Transforming the PropTech Industry
The introduction of digital platforms has revolutionized the way people search for, assess, and buy properties. Modern real estate software ensures easy access to property listings, neighborhood information, mortgage calculators, virtual tours, and direct contact with real estate agents, thus cutting out many of the obstacles that were part of the purchasing process. Real Estate App Development allows companies to manage properties efficiently, automatically generate leads, effectively handle customers, and make informed decisions. The inclusion of artificial intelligence and digital transactions makes the experience of using these apps even more efficient.
List of Top Real Estate App Development Companies in the Global Market
1. Suffescom Solutions
Suffescom Solutions is a mobile app development company specializing in Real Estate App Development for startups, real estate agencies, property management firms, and enterprises. The company develops scalable, feature-rich applications that simplify property discovery, virtual tours, lead management, and secure digital transactions. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI, AR/VR, cloud computing, and location intelligence, Suffescom Solutions helps businesses build intuitive PropTech platforms that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The company also focuses on customization, security, and post-launch support to ensure long-term business success.
Key Features
Custom real estate application development
AI-powered property recommendations
Property listing management
Interactive map integration
Virtual property tours
CRM integration
Secure payment gateway
Multi-platform development
Cloud-native architecture
Maintenance and support
2. RisingMax
RisingMax develops innovative digital solutions for businesses seeking advanced PropTech platforms. Its expertise in Real Estate App Development enables companies to launch scalable property applications equipped with intelligent search capabilities, real-time property updates, and secure communication tools. RisingMax combines modern UI/UX practices with cloud technologies to deliver applications that improve customer engagement and simplify property management.
Key Features
Cross-platform app development
AI-enabled property search
Property management dashboard
Cloud deployment
Push notifications
Digital payment integration
Analytics and reporting
API integration
Secure authentication
Ongoing technical support
3. Ascendix Technologies
Ascendix Technologies is known for developing enterprise-grade PropTech software for commercial and residential real estate businesses. The company focuses on building customized applications that streamline property management, brokerage operations, customer engagement, and business workflows. Its expertise includes CRM development, cloud solutions, and data analytics, enabling businesses to manage property portfolios more efficiently.
Key Features
Enterprise real estate solutions
CRM integration
Commercial property management
Cloud infrastructure
Advanced analytics
Workflow automation
Custom software development
Secure data management
API connectivity
Long-term support
4. WillowTree
WillowTree develops premium mobile applications across various industries, including real estate and digital commerce. The company creates user-centric property applications that emphasize intuitive navigation, personalized property recommendations, and engaging digital experiences. Its development approach combines robust engineering with modern design principles to build scalable PropTech platforms for growing businesses.
Key Features
Mobile-first development
Personalized user experience
Property search optimization
Cloud-native architecture
Interactive UI/UX
Analytics integration
Secure user authentication
Multi-device compatibility
Third-party integrations
Continuous optimization
5. Unico Connect
Unico Connect specializes in delivering customized digital products for startups and enterprises, including Real Estate App Development solutions. The company builds scalable applications that simplify property listings, communication, lead management, and customer engagement while integrating cloud technologies for improved business performance.
Key Features
Custom property applications
Cloud-based infrastructure
Real-time messaging
Lead management system
Property listing platform
API integration
Digital documentation
Performance analytics
Secure payment integration
Ongoing maintenance
6. Trango Tech
Trango Tech develops intelligent mobile solutions that help real estate businesses digitize property management and customer interactions. Its applications support advanced search functionality, location-based services, secure transactions, and AI-powered recommendations. The company focuses on scalable software architecture that supports long-term business growth and operational efficiency.
Key Features
Property marketplace development
AI-powered recommendations
Interactive map integration
GPS-enabled search
Digital document management
User analytics
Cross-platform applications
Secure backend systems
CRM connectivity
Cloud deployment
7. MindInventory
MindInventory is a software development company delivering digital transformation solutions across multiple industries, including real estate. Its Real Estate App Development services include modern property applications that combine intuitive interfaces with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing. The company focuses on creating engaging user experiences while ensuring scalability, security, and seamless business operations.
Key Features
AI-enabled property applications
Cloud-native development
Property management tools
Interactive dashboards
IoT integration
User engagement features
Third-party API integration
Business intelligence reporting
Secure infrastructure
Continuous technical support
Essential Features Every Modern Real Estate App Should Include
Successful Real Estate App Development requires more than attractive property listings. Modern applications must provide seamless experiences for buyers, sellers, agents, and property managers while simplifying transactions and communication.
• User Registration and Profile Management
Allow buyers, sellers, agents, and administrators to create personalized accounts with secure authentication and profile customization.
• Advanced Property Search
Provide powerful filters based on location, property type, price range, amenities, size, and availability to improve property discovery.
• Interactive Maps
Integrate GPS-enabled maps that display nearby schools, hospitals, transportation hubs, restaurants, and neighborhood information.
• High-Quality Property Listings
Support multiple images, HD videos, floor plans, property specifications, and detailed descriptions for each listing.
• Virtual Tours
Enable immersive 360-degree property walkthroughs using AR/VR technology to improve buyer confidence before physical visits.
• AI-Powered Property Recommendations
Use artificial intelligence to recommend properties based on user preferences, browsing behavior, and previous searches.
• Real-Time Chat and Messaging
Facilitate instant communication between buyers, sellers, and agents for faster inquiry resolution.
• Mortgage Calculator
Help users estimate monthly payments, loan eligibility, and financing options directly within the application.
• Appointment Scheduling
Allow users to schedule property visits, virtual meetings, or consultations with agents through integrated calendars.
• Secure Digital Payments
Support booking fees, deposits, subscription payments, and service charges through encrypted payment gateways.
• Document Management
Store contracts, agreements, ownership documents, inspection reports, and legal paperwork securely within the application.
• Push Notifications
Notify users about new listings, price changes, scheduled visits, document approvals, and promotional offers.
• Admin Dashboard
Provide centralized control over users, listings, transactions, content moderation, analytics, and platform management.
• Analytics and Reporting
Offer detailed insights into customer behavior, listing performance, lead generation, conversions, and revenue growth.
• Strong Security
Implement encrypted communications, secure authentication, role-based access control, data privacy measures, and regulatory compliance.
Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Real Estate App Development
The future of Real Estate App Development is being driven by intelligent technologies that improve decision-making, customer experiences, and operational efficiency throughout the property lifecycle.
Artificial intelligence is transforming property discovery by delivering personalized recommendations, predictive pricing models, and automated customer support. Machine learning algorithms analyze user preferences and market trends to recommend relevant properties while helping businesses generate qualified leads more effectively.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming essential components of digital property experiences. Virtual property tours allow buyers to explore homes remotely, reducing travel time and accelerating purchasing decisions.
Another significant trend is IoT integration within smart properties. Connected devices enable users to monitor energy consumption, security systems, lighting, and climate control directly through mobile applications, enhancing property value and user convenience.
Finally, sustainability is becoming an important focus. Modern real estate platforms increasingly highlight green-certified buildings, energy-efficient homes, and environmentally friendly construction projects to meet changing buyer preferences.
Conclusion
The rapid evolution of the PropTech sector has made Real Estate App Development an essential investment for businesses aiming to deliver seamless, technology-driven property experiences. From AI-powered property recommendations and immersive virtual tours to secure digital transactions and cloud-based management systems, modern applications are transforming every stage of the real estate journey. Selecting an experienced development company with expertise in emerging technologies, scalable architecture, and user-centric design is crucial for building a competitive digital platform. As customer expectations continue to evolve, organizations that invest in innovative real estate applications will be better positioned to improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve long-term growth in the digital property marketplace.
FAQs
1. What is Real Estate App Development?
Real Estate App Development involves building mobile or web applications that help users buy, sell, rent, and manage properties through digital platforms.
2. How much does Real Estate App Development cost?
Development costs vary based on features, platforms, integrations, UI/UX complexity, and technology requirements, ranging from basic to enterprise-grade solutions.
3. Which features are essential in a real estate app?
Core features include property listings, advanced search, virtual tours, GPS maps, messaging, appointment scheduling, payment integration, and analytics dashboards.
4. Why should businesses invest in Real Estate App Development?
It enhances customer engagement, streamlines property management, increases lead generation, supports digital transactions, and helps businesses stay competitive in the evolving PropTech market.
HRP Home Remodel ProHome Remodel Pro all rights reserved
Drop-in bathtub - mid-sized transitional master beige tile and stone tile travertine floor drop-in bathtub idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls
Drop-in bathtub - mid-sized transitional master beige tile and stone tile travertine floor drop-in bathtub idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls
Ann Kenkel Interiors DC PREMIERE DESIGN FIRMAnn Kenkel Interiors
Coastal Estate in St. Michael's Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay. House was designed after the original 1770's house on the property. Home was designed to be a formal house but was now being used as a weekend retreat. Ann Kenkel had to decorate the house in a manner which was coastal enough so owner's felt like they were on vacation yet formal enough for the style of the house.
AK found the house filled with wallpaper from the 1980's. Wallpaper from every room was removed and all trim had to be painted a neutral color.
The formal dining room only had one entry. AK opened up a second entry into the dining room which provided a view of the Chesapeake Bay.
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Bardet ConstructionGrouted vinyl tile that looks like traditional tile.
Inspiration for a small eclectic white tile and ceramic tile vinyl floor and multicolored floor alcove bathtub remodel in Sacramento with furniture-like cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and gray countertops
Inspiration for a small eclectic white tile and ceramic tile vinyl floor and multicolored floor alcove bathtub remodel in Sacramento with furniture-like cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and gray countertops
Twelve Stones Designs, LLCThe owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit.
Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable.
The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside.
Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune.
The clients' needs and desires were:
➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups
➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas
➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework
➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme
➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage
➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave
➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook
Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by:
➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion
➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage.
➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners.
➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals.
The project is enhanced functionally by:
➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island
➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table.
➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers
➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen
➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room.
➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage.
➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware.
➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards.
The project is enhanced aesthetically by:
➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling
➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven
➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island
➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches
➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors.
➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space.
➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches.
Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC:
➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band.
➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging.
➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.
Design obstacles to overcome:
➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel.
➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits
➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components.
Evidence of superior craftsmanship:
➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal
➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen
➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look
➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space
➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.
Twelve Stones Designs, LLCThe owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit.
Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable.
The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside.
Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune.
The clients' needs and desires were:
➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups
➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas
➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework
➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme
➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage
➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave
➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook
Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by:
➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion
➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage.
➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners.
➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals.
The project is enhanced functionally by:
➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island
➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table.
➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers
➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen
➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room.
➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage.
➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware.
➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards.
The project is enhanced aesthetically by:
➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling
➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven
➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island
➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches
➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors.
➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space.
➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches.
Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC:
➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band.
➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging.
➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.
Design obstacles to overcome:
➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel.
➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits
➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components.
Evidence of superior craftsmanship:
➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal
➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen
➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look
➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space
➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.
T.A. French - Custom BuilderExample of a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor double front door design in Austin with gray walls and a black front door
AGM Home Store, LLCMakeup mirrors are a woman’s or a man’s best friend, they can save you from foundation lines, overgrown eyebrows, and other preventable beauty blunders. Before shopping for a quality makeup mirror, we recommend narrowing down your choices by learning which type of makeup mirror will not only look great in your bathroom, but have you looking your best as well. Magnifying mirrors will give you a new perspective on your skin while cosmetic mirrors are designed to give you red carpet style in the comfort of your own home. Magnifying mirrors can also be found as double face mirrors, with different magnifications on each mirror face. The most popular magnification is 5x as it is ideal for brow tweezing and perfecting eyeliner. Facial mirrors are great for the man of the bathroom and make shaving safer and easier. Lighted Makeup Mirrors are ideal if you want to make the most of each brush, line, and stroke when applying your makeup. Wall Mounted Makeup Mirrors are becoming increasingly popular, we know find them as a standard in hotel rooms. Many of them have extendable arms, which gives you the freedom to adjust it as needed for better lighting or positioning. Additionally, many lighted mirrors today are also wall mounted, which gives you another option to choose from. The best part is several lighted makeup mirrors are now battery powered, which saves you the headaches of hardwired installations. Free Standing Makeup Mirrors, probably the most popular option in this category. Free standing makeup mirrors are fashionable and trendy. They are easy to move from one room to the other or simply closer to a window or better lighting. No matter the type of makeup mirror you choose, you can always rely on one to help you transform into a professional makeup artist and aid you in your quest for flawless skin. Browse our large selection of European makeup mirror collections:
BRC Remodeling GroupThis was a lovely bathroom renovation we did. The mirrors, shower glass, and cabinets are all custom made pieces. We did a split level Vanity to accommodate both clients heights and it came together perfectly.
ASE PhotographyWall color: Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke.
Basket: Pottery Barn Perry Paper Holder in Havana Weave.
Accents: white mirror with white wall-mounted towel hanger with chrome hangers
Roger L Johnson, ArchitectNew vanity with pouring faucet, oval mirror w/ medicine cabinet, new subway tile w/ mosaic tile and chair rail molding
Freestanding bathtub - small contemporary 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile light wood floor freestanding bathtub idea in New York with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and blue walls
Freestanding bathtub - small contemporary 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile light wood floor freestanding bathtub idea in New York with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and blue walls
Keuka Studios, IncFloating staircase with steel mono-stringer and white oak treads as seen from below. The wood top rail seamlessly flows up the multi level staircase.
Stairs and railings by Keuka Studios
Photography by Dave Noonan
Dakota UnlimitedCustom aluminum fence over bolder retaining wall. Designed & installed by Dakota Unlimited.
Design ideas for a rustic backyard retaining wall landscape in Minneapolis.
Design ideas for a rustic backyard retaining wall landscape in Minneapolis.
Tomecek Studio ArchitecturePhotography by John Gibbons
This project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck.
Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.
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