Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

Master Bathroom Remodeling in Ambler, PA – A Complete Transformation by BMR Belmax Remodeling
At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional, and luxurious bathroom spaces tailored to our clients’ needs. One of our most recent projects involved a master bathroom remodeling in Ambler, PA, where we completely reimagined the layout to maximize space, improve functionality, and enhance aesthetics. The result was a modern, spacious, and inviting master bathroom that perfectly suited the homeowner’s vision.
The Challenge: An Outdated and Divided Bathroom
The original master bathroom in Ambler, PA was divided into two separate rooms. One area housed a vanity and closet, while the other contained the shower and toilet. While functional, this layout felt cramped, disjointed, and inefficient. The homeowners wanted to merge these two spaces into a single, cohesive master bathroom that felt larger, more open, and more luxurious.
They envisioned a modern walk-in shower, enhanced storage, better lighting, and high-end finishes, all while improving the flow and accessibility of the space. Our team at BMR Belmax Remodeling worked closely with them to develop a design that addressed their needs and transformed their bathroom into a modern retreat.
The Transformation: A Unified & Modern Master Bathroom
Our approach to this bathroom renovation in Ambler, PA focused on space optimization, luxury finishes, and functionality. We combined the two separate rooms into one expansive master bathroom, making the space feel more open and elegant.
1. Layout Reconfiguration & Wall Removal
We removed the dividing wall between the shower and vanity area to open up the space and create a more seamless layout.
A new wall was built to expand the shower area, allowing for a larger and more comfortable walk-in shower.
The closet and vanity space were integrated into the main bathroom layout, eliminating the need for a separate entryway and making the space more efficient and accessible.
2. Walk-In Shower with Premium Features
A stunning walk-in shower with sleek glass doors was installed to give the bathroom a modern and luxurious look.
We used large-format tiles on the shower walls and flooring, creating a cohesive, stylish, and low-maintenance surface.
A built-in recessed niche with a custom tile shelf was added for practical storage while maintaining a clean and sophisticated design.
3. Vanity & Storage Enhancements
The old vanity was replaced with a sleek, modern vanity that provided ample storage and counter space.
We incorporated custom-built shelves on the left side of the vanity, offering additional storage without cluttering the design.
A lighted mirror was installed above the vanity, combining style and practicality while enhancing the overall lighting in the space.
4. Elegant Fixtures & Finishes
To add a touch of luxury, we installed gold-finished fixtures, including the showerhead, faucets, and cabinet handles, giving the bathroom a high-end, elegant feel.
A modern one-piece toilet was installed to complement the clean and minimalist design.
The bathroom’s neutral color palette and textured finishes created a calm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Enhanced Ventilation & Lighting
A new exhaust fan was installed to improve air circulation and moisture control, ensuring a comfortable and mold-free environment.
Additional task lighting and ambient lighting were carefully placed to make the bathroom bright, warm, and inviting.
The Result: A Stunning, Spacious, and Functional Master Bathroom
The completed master bathroom remodeling in Ambler, PA is now a spacious, modern retreat that perfectly blends style and functionality. By unifying the previously divided rooms, we created a flowing and open space that feels larger and more inviting. The walk-in shower, gold fixtures, and custom vanity elevate the aesthetics, while the recessed niche, built-in shelves, and enhanced lighting provide practicality and comfort.
The homeowner was thrilled with the transformation, noting how much brighter, more functional, and elegant the space now feels. They particularly loved how the layout reconfiguration made the space more open and efficient, as well as the luxurious finishes that added a high-end touch.

These homeowners approached us with a partially finished basement lacking a bathroom and an inefficient laundry area. One of the homeowners used the unconditioned, cold, and damp space as a home office, making it uncomfortable and impractical.
The goal was to create a fully functional and versatile living space by adding a full bathroom, a kitchenette, and a concealed laundry area. The space needed to be designed to serve the family’s daily needs, including accommodating their teenage son and functioning as potential rental income in the future.
Now considered an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the remodeled basement features a private entrance, bathroom, kitchenette, and bedroom, offering comfort, flexibility, and long-term value for the homeowners.

The kitchen storage was inefficient, featuring standard cabinets that did not maximize the room's organizational potential, along with a sliding door.
Find the right local pro for your project

2010 REGIONAL AWARD WINNER
Built in 2000, this center hall colonial in Fairfax Station, Virginia had a kitchen that was neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing.
First, the floor plan was poorly rationalized. The work triangle was inefficient, a large pantry took up too much floor space, and a series of railings between the kitchen and family room obstructed traffic flow.
Aesthetically, the space was dated. Dutch cabinetry, floral wallpaper and a faux Victorian chandelier all cried for an update. Additionally, the homeowners wanted to incorporate high-end appliances and other amenities like a wine cooler and steam cooker.
Overall, the owners were seeking to replace worn out-of-style kitchen with a substantially upgraded “open” facility that combines traditional and contemporary features configured to support multiple social and culinary needs.
Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, they decided to implement a series of strategic revisions that would support their new use goals.
First, they removed an obstructive bearing wall between the existing kitchen and mudroom, creating a recessed niche for a new 48” gas range with custom hood. An unused desk taken out provided a spot for the new 48” two-drawer refrigerator/freezer.
A custom-designed L-shaped granite-surfaced island with bar sink, icemaker and mini-drawer refrigerator takes center stage in the space and offers seating for six. Now the chef can entertain guests while preparing the meal.
From an aesthetic point of view, the interior features are nothing less than stunning. Softly painted walls, decorative ceramic tile backsplashes and granite surfaces combine with custom made cabinets to create an elegant space. Antiqued soft-opaque cabinet facings, wood panel refrigerator door inserts, glass-facing display cabinets and a custom mantle range hood are true works of craftsmanship. Fine detail is expressed with flutes and corbels. Beauty is truly in the details of this award-winning kitchen.

A previous client (Big Wood Lane) reached out to us to help design a remodel of a recently purchased on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka. The home had grown organically since its original construction in 1945. It had evolved over time to accommodate the needs of its numerous owners. Our client brought a new set of needs to the home that included a desire to make the lake home a comfortable destination for family and friends.
The project consisted of reconfiguring an outdated, inefficient kitchen, expansion of the bedroom wing to include individual bathrooms for bedrooms and redesign of the central stair guard rail.
The redesign of the kitchen included repositioning major appliances for greater efficiency, more seating at an enlarged island, a new pantry, and expanded views to the lake. The expansion of the bedroom wing included eliminating a three-season porch on top of the garage on the inland side of the home. The space above the garage roof was enclosed and turned into dedicated bathrooms for each bedroom. These bathrooms are accessible only from the bathrooms which provide privacy and convenience to visitors.

Built in 1992, this lakeside home was ready for a full renovation to match its scenic setting and the demands of modern living. The original layout felt dated and inefficient, so the remodel opened the space by replacing a pantry closet with a sleek pantry cabinet and adding a large window above the sink to flood the kitchen with light and views. An oversized closet became a stylish wet bar and butler’s pantry in rich alder, now a walk-through between the dining and living areas. Warm white oak floors, contrasting cabinetry, honed Borghini marble, and soapstone counters complete the sophisticated yet inviting kitchen design. The bathroom, laundry room, sitting room, front entry, and dining area were also updated in the home remodel. Welcome to Heart of Home.

A dramatic transformation from a small dark kitchen to bright open concept kitchen and living space. The original kitchen was closed off, by knocking down a wall we were able to create a more open kitchen with an a-symmetrical island with plenty of seating. The most unique feature of this kitchen is the hood that's recessed in a sofit over the island. Cooking in the island can present a ventilation problem. Down draft ranges are inefficient and a hood that hangs from the ceiling can be an eye sore. This solution lets the hood blend in with the ceiling and gets it out of the way.

This bathroom remodel focused on improving both layout and functionality.
The original layout had the toilet positioned directly in front of the sink, making the space feel cramped and inefficient. We relocated the toilet to create a better flow and more practical use of space.
Scope of work included:
• Toilet relocation
• Bathtub refinishing
• All new drywall
• New vanity and cabinetry
• New tile throughout
• Plumbing modifications
By redesigning the layout and updating all finishes, the bathroom now feels open, modern, and significantly more functional.
Restoration Remodel specializes in bathroom remodeling and layout redesign in Kansas City.

Cabinet Refacing and Modification. These cabinets were converted from and assortment of inefficient sizes of cabinets and drawers to very efficient full extension drawers

The Setup
For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners wanted to transform their large, T-shaped bathroom into a functional, multi-purpose sanctuary. The existing layout was inefficient, with a bulky built-in tub, a closed-off shower, and an awkward footprint that limited practical use.
This remodel also presented a unique challenge – the homeowners wanted to use the space for workouts as well. The design needed to maximize the large open area in the middle of the T, providing enough room for yoga and light free-weight exercises while maintaining the bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality.
Design objectives:
Expand and brighten the shower area without major layout changes
Replace the oversized built-in tub with a sleek freestanding alternative
Create a flexible space for workouts while maintaining the bathroom’s design integrity
Address cold flooring with added comfort solutions
Enhance lighting for both beauty and functionality
Incorporate storage for workout equipment and everyday essentials
Integrate natural elements to accommodate the homeowners’ love of plants
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
Shower Expansion – The homeowners want a more open, spa-like shower but don’t want to dramatically alter the footprint.
Workout Integration – Balancing fitness functionality with a serene bathroom design will require creative layout adjustments.
Storage Solutions – With workout gear to stow away, the space needs discrete and versatile storage options.
Lighting – Enhancing both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the large space.
Cold Floors – Positioned above the garage, the bathroom tends to feel colder than the adjacent primary bedroom. A solution is needed to add warmth and comfort during use, without the need to reconfigure the home’s overall heating system.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Spa-Like Shower Expansion – Removing a wall and replacing it with glass transformed the shower into an open, airy retreat, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. A curved black river rock floor and neutral linear wall tiles add warmth and texture, while carefully placed niche lighting enhances the tranquil, luxurious atmosphere.
Workout-Friendly Layout – A custom full-length mirror was strategically placed to accommodate multiple uses, creating a fitness studio-like experience for yoga or light weight training. The mirror’s size and positioning allow for clear visibility during workouts, while also enhancing the room by adding light and a greater sense of depth.
Custom Storage Solutions – A custom cabinet with a wood top was crafted to discreetly store workout equipment, preserving the clean, open feel of the space. Its design not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of symmetry, bringing visual balance and cohesion to the overall layout.
Enhanced Lighting – Replacing the shower wall with glass, installing a full-length mirror, and incorporating vanity mirrors with built-in lighting dramatically brighten the space. LED strip lighting under the cabinets, along the tub half wall, and in both the side and shower niches adds layered illumination, enhancing both function and ambiance.
Heated Floors – Installing heated flooring provides consistent warmth and comfort year-round, enhancing the space for both workouts and daily routines. A European-style towel warmer brings additional warmth and a touch of luxury, elevating the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
This transformed bathroom blends luxury with intentional design. By addressing the homeowners’ needs – from workout flexibility to spa-inspired details – the space now serves multiple purposes without compromise. The warm cabinetry, black accents and thoughtful lighting tie the design together, while the curved textures and plant-friendly ledge add a personalized touch. This bathroom is now a bright, welcoming sanctuary for daily routines and mindful moments.

This was a small cabin located in South Lake Tahoe, CA that was built in 1947. The existing kitchen was tiny, inefficient & in much need of an update. The owners wanted lots of storage and much more counter space. One challenge was to incorporate a washer and dryer into the space and another was to maintain the local flavor of the existing cabin while modernizing the features. The final photos in this project show the before photos.

Brought a poorly designed 1980s home into contemporary times for new homeowners with a large family. Converted an awkward cathedral ceiling to a quiet and cozy tray ceiling which adds subtle warmth with it's wood treatment. Redefining rooms and reallocating space throughout the home's footprint turned this home into an efficient, warm, and welcoming home. One example of redefined space is adding a walk-in pantry to the kitchen by moving an inefficient laundry room to another area and connecting a walk-in pantry to the kitchen with the swinging glass door (shown on the dark brown wall).

Situated in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, we worked closely with a strong owner to transform a fatigued and inefficient 3-level townhouse, constructed in the 1980’s, into America’s first LEED Platinum (pending) townhome.
Outdated systems, poor insulation, unbalanced & unclean air, worn finishes, and outdated kitchen and bathrooms required attention. Yet a replacement project did not address other high concerns. Though the home at 2,400SF offered the right amount and quantity of rooms, the home lacked a sense of openness and more was needed than high-efficiency systems, great insulation, and selection of no VOC finishes to create a warm, inviting and comfortable place to live and enjoy their art and photography collection. An oddly-located, creaky, carpet-covered stairway enclosed in drywall walls was on the list of items needing repairs. The stair seemed to disorient a person and disconnect the levels of the home.
Our design focused on opening the core of the home to provide long diagonal views that visually connect adjacent rooms and levels of the home and beyond. An architectural skylight floods the void with light and opens to bring fresh air. A steel, glass and wood stairway suspends into the core- it’s every detail and every angle thoughtfully considered to create a feeling of connection, orientation and lightness. It seeks to solve the functional while daring to be more. It dares to be beautiful. It dares to bring delight to those who use it or simply look upon it.
We long to create experiencially rich places where functional needs are solved with creativity and beauty. We search for meaning and believe that places can be both enjoyed and connect us to truth beyond ourselves. As we look upon the stairway in this home, we are drawn to consider beautifully designed objects in the natural world- a tree is one such example. To sustain life it needs to gather sunlight and keep the ground beneath cool and moist. As a result, we see wooden branches of great weight extend effortlessly from a trunk to hold leaves. This functional need is solved, so perfect, so mysterious, so beautiful. As we gaze upon, it has the capacity to move us to something more beautiful.

recent kitchen remodel in Chantilly, VA completed by KBF by Audi Contractors with design assistance from Sallie Finney Kjos with Grey Hunt Interiors. As a company we work with a handful of select interior design firms to assist with large scale remolding projects. For this project, Sallie tasked us to create a more efficient kitchen so that her client’s entire family could enjoy for years to come. Our Leesburg Design Team quickly got to work by removing the inefficient walk in pantry and small pony wall next to the old fridge. We decided to move the fridge, range and microwave into spaces that were much more efficient. By removing the cooktop off the island, we were able to create a large prep island that could house 3 stools for her kids to sit and converse while cooking was happening. With Sallies guidance, the client selected products and colors that were inviting and clean. This was definitely a fun project to work on, the client is super excited. We are blessed to have Sallie as a partner and for her awesome clients

The owners wished to renovate their small and inefficient kitchen, add more space to their garage, add a roof deck and make material changes throughout the house.
To make a larger, more functional kitchen work, the first floor entry, kitchen, and dining rooms were rearranged to maximize light and space. The result is an open, spacious layout with plenty of storage, counter space, and seating.
Stainless steel countertops complement the dark wood cabinets creating a look that is both modern and durable.
Additional design interventions throughout the rest of the house include cork and wood walls in the basement that soften the feel of the concrete floor.
Chris Nyce, Nyceone Photography

The homeowner's had been living with inefficient and worn-out cabinetry in their 1970's ranch. They had remodeled other spaces in their home and were now ready to take on their kitchen remodel themselves. We found cabinetry that was well made and within their budget and developed a plan for the stages of their remodel. Appliances, lighting and fixtures remained in their original location. The cabinetry was fitted with robust storage solutions to organize everything in a functional layout. The vinyl flooring was replaced with beautiful hardwood. The dynamic pattern gives this kitchen a lovely focal point.
PHOTOS: Sharon Olsen, Designer's Edge Kitchen & Bath

Located in a traditional row house in Charlottesville, this full-home renovation was primarily focused on opening up a cramped, inefficient kitchen and integrating it into the social space of the home. Where previously the kitchen was a small dark and closed off, we dissolved the boundaries between the isolated rooms and opened it up to the dining room and entry foyer to create a porous and inviting kitchen command center.
A punched opening to the entryway with a sliding pocket door allows an occupant in the kitchen to greet guests arriving for a dinner party, or communicate with the kids as they are getting ready for school. Floating maple shelves bridge the boundary between the kitchen and the dining room and connect the two spaces functionally and aesthetically. A maple plywood ceiling with a perimeter light strip completes the material palette of the kitchen which consists of white and grey painted cabinets, soapstone countertop, a white tile backsplash, and the warm tones of natural wood.
In addition to the kitchen renovation, Alloy also updated various other items throughout the house that include installation of maple floors, window replacement, and a storage zone at the entry complete with Muuto Dot coat hooks and custom shoe storage below with a painted paneling surround.
Andrea Hubbell Photography

Kitchen, bath and master bedroom remodel on a very modest budget. Cramped, dark spaces with inefficient floor plans were opened up and made much more functional. Many salvaged parts were used in the project for economy and beauty. The Victorian style was respected while also making the spaces contemporary in feeling and use.
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/victorian-salvage/

The homeowner's had been living with inefficient and worn-out cabinetry in their 1970's ranch. They had remodeled other spaces in their home and were now ready to take on their kitchen remodel themselves. We found cabinetry that was well made and within their budget and developed a plan for the stages of their remodel. Appliances, lighting and fixtures remained in their original location. The cabinetry was fitted with robust storage solutions to organize everything in a functional layout. The vinyl flooring was replaced with beautiful hardwood. The dynamic pattern gives this kitchen a lovely focal point.
PHOTOS: Sharon Olsen, Designer's Edge Kitchen & Bath

This kitchen was transformed from a dark, inefficient space into a bright welcoming area full of countertop space and storage. Accented with brass fixtures, lighting and hardware this transitional meets modern farmhouse kitchen space now offers this family lots of new amenities such as a 4-seat island, coffee/entertaining bar area as well as tons of storage. Taking the tile all the way up to the ceiling behind the stove hood makes for a dramatic impact.
20