Search results for "Increased efficiency" in Home Design Ideas

The exterior walls are a double stud wall to increase the comfort of the home and reduce utility bills
Longviews Studios
Living room - large craftsman open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea
Living room - large craftsman open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea

These South Shore homeowners desired a fresh look for their kitchen that was efficient and functional with a design worthy of showing off to family and friends. They also wished for more natural light, increased floor area and better countertop work space allowing for ease of preparation and cooking. The Renovisions team began the remodel by installing a larger (5’) window over the sink area which overlooks the beautiful backyard. Additional countertop workspace was achieved by utilizing the corner and installing a GE induction cooktop and stainless steel hood. This solution was spot on spectacular!
Renovisions discussed the importance of adding lighting fixtures and the homeowners agreed. Under cabinet lighting was installed under wall cabinets with switch as well as two pendants over the peninsula and one pendant over the sink. It also made good design sense to add additional recessed ceiling fixtures with LED lights and trims that blend well with the ceiling.
The project came together beautifully and boasts gorgeous shaker styled cherry cabinetry with glass mullian doors. The separate desk area serves as a much needed office/organizational area for keys, mail and electronic charging.
A lovely backsplash of Tuscan-clay-look porcelain tile in 4”x8” brick pattern and diagonal tile with decorative metal-look accent tiles serves an eye-catching design detail. We created interest without being overdone.
A large rectangular under-mounted ‘chef’ sink in stainless steel finish was the way to go here to accommodate larger pots and pans and platters. The creamy color marble like durable yet beautiful quartz countertops created a soft tone for the kitchens overall aesthetic look. Simple, pretty details give the cherry cabinets understated elegance and the mix of textures makes the room feel welcoming.
Our client can’t wait to start preparing her favorite recipes for her family.

GENEVA CABINET COMPANY, LLC. Lake Geneva WI. - for trays and baking sheets above oven.
Vacation home is renovated with refreshing new cherry cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. for increased efficiency while maintaining its rustic charm. Cherry cabinetry in the Briar finish with a flat sheen. Hardware from Schlub in Italian Nickel, panels for SubZero refrigerator, Thermador dishwasher, microwave, ovens and range. Countertops Caesarstone Quartz, with raised bar with footrest. Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf
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Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface.
Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment.
A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface.
Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment.
A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

Enjoy the breeze and bring more fresh air into your home with a LARSON Screen Away Storm Door. These retractable screen doors not only make a stunning entrance, they are designed to increase ventilation, allowing more fresh air inside for greater comfort and reduced cooling costs for your new home or for your home remodel.
#WelcomeHome #MyLarsonDoor #LarsonDoors

CLIENT GOALS
Nearly every room of this lovely Noe Valley home had been thoughtfully expanded and remodeled through its 120 years, short of the kitchen.
Through this kitchen remodel, our clients wanted to remove the barrier between the kitchen and the family room and increase usability and storage for their growing family.
DESIGN SOLUTION
The kitchen design included modification to a load-bearing wall, which allowed for the seamless integration of the family room into the kitchen and the addition of seating at the peninsula.
The kitchen layout changed considerably by incorporating the classic “triangle” (sink, range, and refrigerator), allowing for more efficient use of space.
The unique and wonderful use of color in this kitchen makes it a classic – form, and function that will be fashionable for generations to come.

This project started as a cramped cape with little character and extreme water damage, but over the course of several months, it was transformed into a striking modern home with all the bells and whistles. Being just a short walk from Mackworth Island, the homeowner wanted to capitalize on the excellent location, so everything on the exterior and interior was replaced and upgraded. Walls were torn down on the first floor to make the kitchen, dining, and living areas more open to one another. A large dormer was added to the entire back of the house to increase the ceiling height in both bedrooms and create a more functional space. The completed home marries great function and design with efficiency and adds a little boldness to the neighborhood. Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors. Photography by Erin Little.

These South Shore homeowners desired a fresh look for their kitchen that was efficient and functional with a design worthy of showing off to family and friends. They also wished for more natural light, increased floor area and better countertop work space allowing for ease of preparation and cooking. The Renovisions team began the remodel by installing a larger (5’) window over the sink area which overlooks the beautiful backyard. Additional countertop workspace was achieved by utilizing the corner and installing a GE induction cooktop and stainless steel hood. This solution was spot on spectacular!
Renovisions discussed the importance of adding lighting fixtures and the homeowners agreed. Under cabinet lighting was installed under wall cabinets with switch as well as two pendants over the peninsula and one pendant over the sink. It also made good design sense to add additional recessed ceiling fixtures with LED lights and trims that blend well with the ceiling.
The project came together beautifully and boasts gorgeous shaker styled cherry cabinetry with glass mullian doors. The separate desk area serves as a much needed office/organizational area for keys, mail and electronic charging.
A lovely backsplash of Tuscan-clay-look porcelain tile in 4”x8” brick pattern and diagonal tile with decorative metal-look accent tiles serves an eye-catching design detail. We created interest without being overdone.
A large rectangular under-mounted ‘chef’ sink in stainless steel finish was the way to go here to accommodate larger pots and pans and platters. The creamy color marble like durable yet beautiful quartz countertops created a soft tone for the kitchens overall aesthetic look. Simple, pretty details give the cherry cabinets understated elegance and the mix of textures makes the room feel welcoming.
Our client can’t wait to start preparing her favorite recipes for her family.

GENEVA CABINET COMPANY, LLC. Lake Geneva WI. - home is renovated with refreshing new cherry cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. for increased efficiency while maintaining its rustic charm. Cherry cabinetry in the Briar finish with a flat sheen. Hardware from Schlub in Italian Nickel, panels for SubZero refrigerator, Thermador dishwasher, microwave, ovens and range. Countertops Caesarstone Quartz, with raised bar with footrest.Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf

Durable, low-maintenance 2-1/8" commercial grade aluminum frame with many glazing options. Frame and solid aluminum panels available in choice of anodized and powder-coated finishes or Ultra-Grain®. White, Bronze, Brown, Clear Anodized, Bronze Anodized, Black Anodized, Ultra-Grain® Light Cherry, Ultra-Grain® Dark Cherry. Tempered glass, acrylic or solid aluminum panel options. Insulated glass is available for increased energy efficiency. Custom glass and colors available. Color-matched aluminum grip handle.WINDCODE® product available.
http://www.clopaydoor.com/avante

GENEVA CABINET COMPANY, LLC. Lake Geneva WI. - footrest for seating
Vacation home is renovated with refreshing new cherry cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. for increased efficiency while maintaining its rustic charm. Cherry cabinetry in the Briar finish with a flat sheen. Hardware from Schlub in Italian Nickel, panels for SubZero refrigerator, Thermador dishwasher, microwave, ovens and range. Countertops Caesarstone Quartz, with raised bar with footrest. Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf

The Millennium 3100 delivers powerful everyday performance and long, clean burns. Automatic Combustion Control (ACC) increases efficiency and offers advanced heating control. Rugged construction upholds the Quadra-Fire Tradition of Excellence.

**Project Overview**
This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless.
**What Makes This Project Unique?*
Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together.
**Design Challenges*
Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind.
Photo by MIke Kaskel

A simple improvement to increase storage, organization and efficiency in a kitchen are cutlery dividers. It's the best way to minimize drawer clutter and be confident that you know exactly where the next utensil you need is. We also refaced the kitchen cabinets in white Formica, upgraded the cabinet doors with soft-close hinges and new roll out-drawers for lower cabinet storage.

Our Custom Millwork shops can grind custom knives to match historic restoration profiles or produce a one-of-a-kind barn door to match your unique style. Our inventory of domestic and imported hardwoods and large network of suppliers allow us to process orders quickly and efficiently.

Converted existing patio into a living space to increase square footage of home & create a studio space for homeowner. A 12’ X 62’ Pergola built out of very large cedar timbers for durability & design purpose to cool down back part of the house from west setting sun & a space to relax with her husband & enjoy watching the dogs. Walkway under the Pergola are thin brick pavers. All windows & doors installed on patio are energy efficient & the patio floor is a faux finish stamped concrete overlayed on top of old concrete to give a better look to the finish for the living space.

This project started as a cramped cape with little character and extreme water damage, but over the course of several months, it was transformed into a striking modern home with all the bells and whistles. Being just a short walk from Mackworth Island, the homeowner wanted to capitalize on the excellent location, so everything on the exterior and interior was replaced and upgraded. Walls were torn down on the first floor to make the kitchen, dining, and living areas more open to one another. A large dormer was added to the entire back of the house to increase the ceiling height in both bedrooms and create a more functional space. The completed home marries great function and design with efficiency and adds a little boldness to the neighborhood. Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors. Photography by Erin Little.

The Small Flush Hybrid-Fyre™ wood insert is a compact sized unit that can fit where most inserts never have before. Its size is perfect for smaller masonry and zero clearance fireplaces with its 14 inch depth and 1.2 cubic foot firebox. It features a never before seen flue connection with a detachable flue collar that makes for quick and easy installations that are typically very difficult with a unit of this size. A large fire viewing glass area is surrounded by a rectangular door and a concealed blower that increases heat transfer up to 1,000 square feet. The Small Flush Wood burning insert is extremely efficient and clean-burning because it features the world’s cleanest burning technology, Hybrid-Fyre™. Hybrid-Fyre allows this unit to run at 76% overall efficiency and produce only 0.89 grams of emissions per hour, emitting virtually no smoke or carbon monoxide. The GreenStart™ igniter option adds to the efficiency of this insert because it can start its own fire with just the push of a button.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo
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