A busy family of 5 needed a new space for entertaining. The layout proved functional, and with an easy switch of the range and seating areas, a kitchen for entertaining was made. A built in 48" range with a griddle top allows for plenty of space for cooking in the large 10' x 5' island, topped with Taj Mahal Quartzite. Behind the range are fridge and freezer towers, flanked by mirrored pantries that hold everything from spices to canned goods. A large 42" undermount sink spans the breadth of the window that overlooks the canyon beyond. A mirrored hutch balances the side where new French doors open out onto a herb garden. A dry bar matches the cabinetry and increases the space in the grand great room.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

In this kitchen remodeling project, our homeowners envisioned a clean and inviting Scandinavian-style space. To achieve their desired aesthetic, we prioritized several key elements. The first step involved updating the backsplash with fresh white tiles, creating a bright and airy backdrop that epitomized the Scandinavian design philosophy. The lighting in both the kitchen and dining room was meticulously chosen to elevate the space. We installed modern fixtures that emitted warm, diffused light, adding a cozy ambiance and enhancing the overall atmosphere. To further enhance the Scandinavian charm, the white kitchen cabinets were adorned with new gold hardware, providing a subtle touch of elegance and contrast. The gold sink faucet harmonized with the hardware, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look. A kitchen island was added to increase functionality, featuring matching white cabinets and a countertop, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the kitchen. Finally, the hardwood flooring brought warmth and natural beauty, completing the Scandinavian-inspired transformation. The result was a clean, inviting, and harmonious kitchen that perfectly captured the essence of Scandinavian design

When our clients made the move from East to West coast, they wanted to bring parts of their past along with them. Blending New York style with the relaxed, coastal vibe of La Jolla’s Wind & Sea community offered a unique design challenge and opportunity. From the outset, the bathrooms and kitchen were identified as the primary focus of this renovation. The aim was to weave the couple's distinctive style into the design while integrating modern touches. As we explored these priorities, we found that increasing the square footage would not only expand their living space but also make room for the corner fireplace they had been dreaming of. This addition would enhance both the functionality and the ambiance of the home, aligning perfectly with their vision for a more spacious and cozy living environment. The design approach embraced a contemporary aesthetic through simple black and white color blocking, complemented by unique fixtures and fittings. To create a balanced and inviting atmosphere, the design incorporated natural light by way of skylights and larger windows, which helped highlight the deep wood grain cabinetry. Whimsical art and furnishings further personalized the space, infusing it with character and warmth.

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

When our clients purchased this home, their main focus was updating both the primary and guest bathrooms while adjusting the layout to be more functional on the second floor. They also wanted to make some other improvements to include adding a runner to the staircase for increased safety and refinishing all of the floors in the home. We brought some new life to the powder room on the first floor with a fun wallpaper and a sink that has an integral backsplash. Upstairs we made the layouts much more functional by making a few slight changes that had a very large impact.

Our clients for this Silicon Valley remodel wanted us to enlarge their existing kitchen by expanding into their adjacent dinette and family room area and address heat and glare issues caused by the afternoon sun at the rear of the residence. Our remodel eventually addressed almost all of the ground floor rooms. In addition we coordinated the addition of new windows throughout the house and “refreshed” the front entry and rear façade. We expanded the kitchen into the dinette area by creating an informal bar area to replace their existing dinette area. We increased indoor-outdoor flow by creating a wall of French doors and windows at the rear which included solar shading integrated into the rear wall by means of a system of interior wall panels defined by carefully laid out reveals. We created a dropped ceiling between the kitchen and the family room to define the bar counter area. A new, minimalist fireplace design replaced the existing brick fireplace. Wenge-colored cabinets and soft putty-colored walls in the dining/family room create a serene overall unity to the space. At the front entry, new doors, hardware and lighting brought this Mid-century rancher into the 21st Century. Photos by Mark Brand.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II American Tradition in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances traditional architectural details with modern elements. Based on one of our most popular floor plans, the Charleston II offers increased square footage and abundant storage solutions tailored for modern living. The heart of the home is an expansive, open-concept great room defined by classic wall paneling details and a custom iron railing that perfectly completes the home’s refined traditional style. This grand living space flows seamlessly into a chef-ready kitchen equipped with generous counter space, a large central island to gather around, and a giant walk-in pantry. To manage busy family schedules, an oversized laundry and mudroom zone has been upgraded with dramatic floor-to-ceiling tile, a custom bench locker, and integrated coat hooks to keep the home perfectly organized. The thoughtful layout continues with a perfectly placed pocket office, offering a quiet, dedicated space to organize daily tasks or work from home. This pocket office leads gracefully into the luxurious owner’s retreat, a private main-level sanctuary showcasing an expansive primary bath and two large walk-in closets. To elevate the primary suite's design aesthetic, the bedroom features a show-stopping beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking verticality and architectural detail. A smart split-bedroom layout ensures ultimate privacy for the entire family, keeping the additional secondary bedrooms situated on the completely opposite side of the residence so everyone can enjoy their own independent space.

Graffio Collection by Antoniolupi AL STUDIO The Graffio sinks define a pure and contemporary style. The very thin edge widens in the back for the tap and to the side as an elegant and functional surface available smooth and grooved to increase the grip and facilitate the support of objects or accessories. Rectangular, square, symmetrical or asymmetrical, single or double with rounded edges or perfectly regular, all with a flush drain cover of the same material. The perfect balance amongst the shapes amplifies the composition possibilities of this collection. Perfect alone or with furniture. Integrates well with the Bespoke collection. The sheer volume of the basin communicates well with the elegant finishes and surfaces of the cabinets. Perfect geometrical shake that meet, clean lines and thin edges that define a perfect perimeter. Surfaces that overlap, compliment and pair up generating new shapes within its volume. Finally, a sign, a groove, a “scratch” that gives name to the collection.

The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. Opposite that opening to the dining room, we created a new custom hutch that has the upper doors bypass doors incorporate an antique mirror, then led they magnified the light and view opposite side of the room. The ceilings we were confined to eight-foot four, so we wanted to create as much verticality as possible. All the cabinetry was designed to go to the ceiling, incorporating a simple coat mold at the ceiling. The west wall of the kitchen is primarily floor-to-ceiling storage behind paneled doors. So the refrigeration and freezers are fully integrated.

This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Bright, Comfortable Sunroom Addition by Stoneridge Outdoor Living This custom-built sunroom by Stoneridge Outdoor Living blends indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. Designed to maximize natural light and provide year-round usability, this space features energy-efficient windows, durable composite materials, and seamless integration with the home’s exterior. Perfect for morning coffee, entertaining guests, or relaxing with a book, this sunroom creates a cozy retreat in any season. Whether you’re looking to add living space, increase home value, or enjoy the outdoors without the bugs or weather, a professionally designed sunroom is the ideal solution.

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

This transitional kitchen remodel in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania was designed to create a bright, open gathering space that blends timeless cabinetry with modern functionality. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Chester County kitchen renovation focused on improving flow, increasing storage, and introducing high-end finishes that elevate everyday living. The centerpiece of the design is a large quartz waterfall island that provides both a visual focal point and additional prep space for cooking and entertaining. The island also integrates seating and built-in storage, helping anchor the open-concept layout while maintaining clean architectural lines. Custom white shaker cabinetry extends to the ceiling with crown molding and glass display cabinets, creating a classic transitional look while maximizing storage throughout the kitchen. Warm brushed brass cabinet hardware and fixtures add contrast and sophistication against the bright cabinetry and countertops. The perimeter counters feature quartz countertops paired with a marble-look backsplash, bringing texture and subtle movement to the space while maintaining a clean and cohesive palette. A professional-grade range with custom hood surround creates a dramatic focal wall while still maintaining the balanced symmetry of the cabinetry. Large windows above the sink allow natural light to flood the kitchen, highlighting the bright finishes and the warmth of the natural hardwood flooring throughout the main living space. Modern pendant lighting above the island and a statement dining chandelier help define the different zones within the open-concept kitchen and dining area. The finished result is a luxury transitional kitchen that combines classic craftsmanship with modern design elements, creating a space that feels elegant, functional, and inviting for both everyday use and entertaining. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a kitchen remodeling contractor serving Kennett Square, West Chester, and the greater Chester County and Delaware County Pennsylvania area.

The finished kitchen feels elevated but inviting, perfect for returning home after travel and just as comfortable for quiet evenings as it is for entertaining. The upgraded layout, increased storage, and refined material choices create a kitchen that functions beautifully and looks effortlessly polished.

The homeowners had just purchased this home in El Segundo and they had remodeled the kitchen and one of the bathrooms on their own. However, they had more work to do. They felt that the rest of the project was too big and complex to tackle on their own and so they retained us to take over where they left off. The main focus of the project was to create a master suite and take advantage of the rather large backyard as an extension of their home. They were looking to create a more fluid indoor outdoor space. When adding the new master suite leaving the ceilings vaulted along with French doors give the space a feeling of openness. The window seat was originally designed as an architectural feature for the exterior but turned out to be a benefit to the interior! They wanted a spa feel for their master bathroom utilizing organic finishes. Since the plan is that this will be their forever home a curbless shower was an important feature to them. The glass barn door on the shower makes the space feel larger and allows for the travertine shower tile to show through. Floating shelves and vanity allow the space to feel larger while the natural tones of the porcelain tile floor are calming. The his and hers vessel sinks make the space functional for two people to use it at once. The walk-in closet is open while the master bathroom has a white pocket door for privacy. Since a new master suite was added to the home we converted the existing master bedroom into a family room. Adding French Doors to the family room opened up the floorplan to the outdoors while increasing the amount of natural light in this room. The closet that was previously in the bedroom was converted to built in cabinetry and floating shelves in the family room. The French doors in the master suite and family room now both open to the same deck space. The homes new open floor plan called for a kitchen island to bring the kitchen and dining / great room together. The island is a 3” countertop vs the standard inch and a half. This design feature gives the island a chunky look. It was important that the island look like it was always a part of the kitchen. Lastly, we added a skylight in the corner of the kitchen as it felt dark once we closed off the side door that was there previously. Repurposing rooms and opening the floor plan led to creating a laundry closet out of an old coat closet (and borrowing a small space from the new family room). The floors become an integral part of tying together an open floor plan like this. The home still had original oak floors and the homeowners wanted to maintain that character. We laced in new planks and refinished it all to bring the project together. To add curb appeal we removed the carport which was blocking a lot of natural light from the outside of the house. We also re-stuccoed the home and added exterior trim.

When approached by the client for this particular project, their primary goal was a comprehensive kitchen remodel that also involved transforming an underused closet into a hidden walk-in pantry. Recognizing the potential of this space adjacent to the kitchen, we aimed to seamlessly integrate it into the overall design, offering practical storage solutions and enhancing functionality. The addition of a walk-in pantry not only addressed the need for increased storage but also allowed us to declutter the main kitchen area. Items such as the microwave, beverage fridge, coffee maker, and various baked goods found a designated place, optimizing the kitchen's efficiency and organization.

This custom-built home in The Ridge of North Park Manor was built by Barrington Homes in 2019. We worked with the homeowners early in the building process to create a custom master plan for the entire property. In the front of the home, we made recommend addition contouring to increase the curb appeal and views of the home from the road. The backyard featured a multi-level walkout basement which created unique terraced entertaining spaces. From the covered patio space, we incorporated a large boulder wall to create extra flat usable lawn space for the kids to play. Our design team created a unique swimming pool area mid-level between the basement and the first-floor covered patio. The homeowner requested a small swimming pool with a larger entertaining space around it. The space includes a circular gas firepit surrounded a sitting wall and pillars. The customer chose a natural look by selecting Lampus Desert Blend Country Stone pillars. The homeowner wanted to incorporate a spa into the entertaining space without obstructing the view from the upper level space and pool area. Our design team solved this by integrating the spa into the landscape surrounded by plantings and boulders to mask the look of the bulky spa. The pergola above the spa with a custom drapery created an elegant look and provided a nice cover to incorporate lighting for evening enjoyment.

This kitchen transformation was designed to improve flow and maximize storage, rethinking how the space functions for a family that loves to cook. A key design move involved relocating the basement doorway, allowing for the addition of a full wall of custom storage. This change not only increased capacity but also created a more streamlined and cohesive layout. A thoughtfully designed pantry further enhances organization, ensuring everything has a place while remaining easily accessible. Functional upgrades were carefully integrated throughout the space, including a dishwasher drawer for added convenience and efficiency. Every detail was considered to support daily routines, from meal prep to cleanup, without compromising the overall design. The result is a kitchen that feels highly intentional, balancing practicality with a clean, refined aesthetic, and tailored to the way the family uses their home every day.