Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

After nearly 20 years of working in a cramped and inefficient kitchen, as well a doing most of their cooking on a hotplate because of on-going issues with old appliances, our food-loving clients were more than ready for a major kitchen remodel.
Our goal was to open the kitchen and living space without compromising the architectural integrity of this gorgeous 1930’s home, allowing our clients to cook and entertain guests at the same time. We made sure to retain key elements, such as the plaster cove moulding detail, arched doorways, and glass knobs in order to maintain the look and era of the home.
Features includes a new bar and prep sink area, new appliances throughout, a cozy dog bed area incorporated into the cabinet design, shelving niche for cookbooks, magnetic cabinet door on the broom closet to display photos, a recessed television niche for the flatscreen, and radius steps with custom mosaic tile on the stair risers.
Our clients can now cook and entertain guests with ease while their beloved dog’s standby to keep the floor clean!

This window upgrade replaced an old, inefficient window with a modern, energy-efficient design that improves comfort, insulation, and overall appearance. Clear views and a clean finish make a noticeable difference.
If your windows are ready for an upgrade, Pro Craft Home Products is here to help.

This kitchen was once closed off with two small doors and an odd-shaped peninsula. The cabinetry and tile floor was dated and the arrangement was inefficient.
We moved the wall between the adjoining living room and enlarged the opening, framing it in faux wood beams. Beams were also added to the kitchen. The living area became a large dining room with a custom chandelier and red metal cross back chairs. An 11 foot walnut island can seat 8 and has quartz countertops and a stainless undermount farmhouse apron sink.
Beveled subway tile with grey grout lines the walls and floating rustic shelves flank the modern stainless range hood. Undercabinet lighting and USB outlets give functionality to the desk area. Grey wood and metal swivel bar stools add slim, clean seating.
Rustic wood flooring was added throughout the main level.
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The goal for the owners of this Blue Ridge home was to remodel their traditional Blue Ridge home to open up rooms to improve flow and update the finishes. The separate formal living room was a rarely used space so the wall between living and family rooms was opened up and the stairwell was updated to transform how the family use these rooms. The doorway from the entry to the kitchen was also opened up to welcome guests into the heart of the home.
The existing dated and inefficient kitchen was redesigned to include a large island with dining, light filled sink area and decorative hood at the range. A tall pantry cabinet and additional mud room cabinets were installed to provide storage for this busy family. The new kitchen is bright and modern with white Columbia cabinetry complimented by a dark wood island. The Pental quartz countertops feature a light marble design and the soft grey backsplash completes this kitchen transformation.
The tiny powder room received a face lift with a custom shallow vanity that is big on style. The existing living room fireplace, which was too large and out of scale with the space, was updated with new tile and painted wood surround.
The success of this gorgeous remodel was a true team effort with the clients, Model Remodel on the construction and our firm on design.
Contractor: Model Remodel
Photography: Cindy Apple Photography

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.

French manor styling was the result of the client's love of all things French, down to the chandelier found in a little shop in Paris. The focus on a serious working kitchen required plenty of attention to detail while layering on the opulence. It's really a French pastry.
The teak butcher block island top provides a lifetime of food preparation. Not able to find a hood with the right proportions Simmons & Co. designed a custom stainless hood with the correct gentle curve. Authentic French hardware was plated in pewter to soften the hardware's impact. Generous pantry storage and the oven wall replaced an inefficient walk in pantry. A dust bin access to the central vacuum system is tucked into the toe kick under the pantry and an emphasis was placed on the toe kick designs to eliminate the typical awkward appliance toe kick resolutions. Note the paneled dishwasher door to the right and left of the sink. When closed, the dishwasher disappears entirely. For those chilly winter mornings in Lake Sherwood an authentic English coal fire basket adding both beauty and function with the tile selection and color coordination completing the "Interior Hardscape".
The chandelier is symbolic of the fun we all had working with a client whose shining spirit and creativity guided our goal of "doing the right thing" at each and every a decision. What a creative project should be all about. Oh, yes, the chandelier. Look closely to find old colanders, pie tins, tea cups and parts and pieces from and old working kitchen.

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come. Special thanks to the amazing Ian Burks of Burks Wurks Construction for bringing this to life!

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.

What began as an awkward and inefficient layout turned into a sleek, high contrast bath with a dose of modern warmth perfect for my client's growing family. The footprint (and even the window!) remained the same while the rest was gutted and redesigned to include a double vanity with storage and a wet space that combines the walk-in shower and tub.

Dinette Fixture: Artcraft Chrome Blossom 25 LED lights, 24" high, 25.5" wide chrome and glass
Island Pendants: MODERN CRYSTAL FLOWERS LED PENDANT SKU PE17157
Backsplash Tile: AKDO Ethered Nova Carrara Bella (H) with Stainless Steel
Countertops: Cambria Brittanica
The homeowners wanted to transform their inefficient kitchen into a “WOW” kitchen that they were proud to entertain in. They wanted a new contemporary look with classic finishes that complimented the other newly renovated spaces in their home.
In the remodeled kitchen, the cooktop is positioned closer to the sink to provide an efficient work triangle. The decorative chimney hood and marble and stainless inset backsplash create a stunning focal point. GE Monogram appliances provide this avid cook with a chef style kitchen. Replacing their pantry closet area with new pantry cabinets with rollout shelves allow for increased functionality. The crisp, clean look of the custom white Medallion cabinets pop against the dark Pewter Maple hardwood floors. Chosen for its timeless appearance, the organic design on the countertops contrasts the geometric marble backsplash tile, and the crystal dinette and pendant lights add sparkle and sophistication to the room. This kitchen is now a contemporary, family-friendly, entertainment space.
Design Tech Remodeling, established in 1997, is a family-owned award-winning design/build firm specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, master suites, and lower levels.

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. Two lantern style lights are the perfect touch to this 7' island space. Opening up the doorway to the dining area helped bring these two rooms back together.

This Primary Suite renovation was designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics, creating a luxurious yet practical retreat. The original floor plan presented several challenges, including inefficient space utilization, lack of storage, and outdated design elements that no longer met the homeowner’s needs. To address these concerns, the new layout was carefully planned to improve flow, maximize storage, and incorporate modern conveniences while maintaining a timeless appeal.

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come. Special thanks to the amazing Ian Burks of Burks Wurks Construction for bringing this to life!

This transitional kitchen remodel transformed a dark, inefficient layout into a bright, functional space designed for everyday living and entertaining. A reimagined multifunctional island, ceiling-height cabinetry, soft blue accents, Bianco Mist quartz countertops, and custom storage solutions create a timeless kitchen that balances beauty with exceptional functionality.

“I wanted to use IKEA cabinets and knew how important it was to get the exact measurements and SKUs correct, so I needed a designer. I also already had a strong vision of how I wanted the kitchen to look, so I didn’t want to pay thousands of dollars to start from scratch,” she says.
This was especially important because her pre-existing kitchen presented a lack of wall and countertop space and difficulty in placing the ovens and microwave where she and her husband wanted.
“The biggest obstacle was the lack of wall space (the space has lots of French doors/windows). So we knew we needed an island and a big one at that. Our island is almost 11 feet long! This was also compounded because we wanted to install a double oven which took up more wall space!” she says.
Enter IKD’s design team that made the entire design process very customer — and budget — friendly.
“Our budget, including all new appliances and contractor labor costs was around $30K. But I had done pre-research and formulated our budget knowing that we would be using IKEA for both countertops and cabinets. If we’re just talking IKEA materials for cabinetry and countertops, we came in at an amazing $12K!”
Specifically, Kate combined IKEA’s SEKTION cabinetry framework system with IKEA’s TINGSRYD Black door fronts with wood effect.
This look was complemented by IKEA’s custom KASKER quartz countertops (outsourced through Caesarstone); a Whirlpool dishwasher; and a GE double oven, among others.
The result?
What was once a crowded and inefficient kitchen is now a stunning open floorplan IKEA kitchen featuring an impressive center island and plenty of counter space.
She concludes: “My favorite part is the open layout that allows me to face the living room while standing at the island and cooking.”
Let’s see how Kate’s kitchen came together!

This Wyoming master bath felt confined with an
inefficient layout. Although the existing bathroom
was a good size, an awkwardly placed dividing
wall made it impossible for two people to be in
it at the same time.
Taking down the dividing wall made the room
feel much more open and allowed warm,
natural light to come in. To take advantage of
all that sunshine, an elegant soaking tub was
placed right by the window, along with a unique,
black subway tile and quartz tub ledge. Adding
contrast to the dark tile is a beautiful wood vanity
with ultra-convenient drawer storage. Gold
fi xtures bring warmth and luxury, and add a
perfect fi nishing touch to this spa-like retreat.

This kitchen was once closed off with two small doors and an odd-shaped peninsula. The cabinetry and tile floor was dated and the arrangement was inefficient.
We moved the wall between the adjoining living room and enlarged the opening, framing it in faux wood beams. Beams were also added to the kitchen. The living area became a large dining room with a custom chandelier and red metal cross back chairs. An 11 foot walnut island can seat 8 and has quartz countertops and a stainless undermount farmhouse apron sink.
Beveled subway tile with grey grout lines the walls and floating rustic shelves flank the modern stainless range hood. Undercabinet lighting and USB outlets give functionality to the desk area. Grey wood and metal swivel bar stools add slim, clean seating.
Rustic wood flooring was added throughout the main level.

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation.
The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft.
This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months.
With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Client lived in an old, inefficient home that we responsively demolished and replaced with a new, highly efficient home. The client moved into a rental home while their old home was demolished and the new home built. They wanted a home that was in-keeping with the Kirkwood neighborhood and reflected some of the same architectural elements/feel of the old home and others in the Kirkwood neighborhood.
Photography: Times 3 Studios

This Kitchen was inefficient before. The island was big and bulky, and created a huge traffic jam before.
By removing a big window where the refrigerator was, and adding a new access to the backyard, this kitchen completely opened up!
Paint color - Woodrow Wilson Putty - Valspar
Floors: Engineered hardwood
Backsplash: Gris Et Blanc Baroque - Dal Tile
Antique Mirror Panes: Mystic Antique Mirror Finish
Sink: Whitehaven Undermount Farmhouse Apron-Front Cast Iron 33 in. Single Basin Kitchen Sink in Thunder Grey
Faucet: Kohler Artifacts single-handle bar sink faucet with 13-1/16" swing spout
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