Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

We transformed an inefficient walk-in closet/bathroom into a luxury master bathroom. The walk-in closet was relocated to another area. Our customers were looking for an open concept bathroom with lots of natural light but with some privacy. This beautiful master bathroom has a custom walk in shower with half walls for privacy. It also creates a nice hidden space for the toilet. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding.

Converting another inefficient bifold closet into a space-saving well organized built in wardrobe
Example of a mid-sized minimalist gender-neutral medium tone wood floor and brown floor reach-in closet design in Other with flat-panel cabinets
Example of a mid-sized minimalist gender-neutral medium tone wood floor and brown floor reach-in closet design in Other with flat-panel cabinets
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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.

Our shower remodeling service is designed to transform your outdated or inefficient shower into a luxurious and functional oasis. Our team of skilled professionals brings expertise and creativity to every project, ensuring that your vision for the perfect shower becomes a reality. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including customized design, expert installation, and quality materials selection. Whether you're looking for a modern, minimalist design or a classic and elegant style, Our technicians at Got a Hand have the expertise to deliver exceptional results. From replacing fixtures and tiles to optimizing space and improving water efficiency, our shower remodeling service is tailored to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate shower experience with our unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What was once an awkward and inefficient primary bathroom is now a space designed to truly function. The original doorway cut directly into the vanity, and a built in tub consumed valuable square footage, limiting both storage and circulation.
By relocating the entry and reworking the layout, we were able to create a more natural flow. An upgraded shower and a large double oak vanity with thoughtful storage solutions now anchor the space, making daily routines seamless. Heated terrazzo floors add comfort underfoot, while streamlined plumbing fixtures bring a clean, intentional finish to the design.
In the guest bathroom, we moved beyond purely functional and introduced color, pattern, and layered texture to create a space that feels personal and inviting.
Hearing our client share that this remodel has genuinely improved her quality of life is exactly why we do what we do. The result is a cohesive primary and guest bathroom renovation that balances beauty, comfort, and everyday function.

We transformed an inefficient walk-in closet/bathroom into a luxury master bathroom. The walk-in closet was relocated to another area. Our customers were looking for an open concept bathroom with lots of natural light but with some privacy. This beautiful master bathroom has a custom walk in shower with half walls for privacy. It also creates a nice hidden space for the toilet. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

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.

Talk about a dramatic transformation!!
This Customer had a very large, but dark Kitchen & Dining Room. The original design of the Kitchen was very inefficient. Several cabinet doors couldn't open all the way for access into the cabinet. Counter space was broken up. The flow of both cooking and traffic through the Kitchen wasn't efficient. Lighting was dim. It wasn't a bright and cheery space where family gatherings could happen easily.
Now? This is the space where everyone congregates! You can definitely see why. Beautiful!! SHOWCASE is so thrilled for this customer's family to enjoy their lovely new spaces!!
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CABINETRY --
All Cabinetry is Homecrest Cabinetry by Masterbrand Cabinets. Maple wood with "Alpine" paint. The Cabinet door style is Lautner with slab drawer fronts. Hinges are 1/2" overlay. Drawer guides are Full-Extension with Soft-Close.
CABINET HARDWARE --
Hardware Resources / Jeffery Alexander Hardware in the "Sutton" series in a Brushed Nickel finish (Styles - 635-96SN, 635-128SN, 635-160SN)
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS --
Cambria "Brittanica" quartz tops with an eased edge
Kitchen Sink is a Swanstone QURC3322 in "Metallico"
Kitchen Faucet is Moen "Align" 7565 in "Chrome"
Kitchen Soap is Moen S3947C in "Chrome"

Mudroom — Project Description (Bolton, CT)
(Reconfiguration • Custom Storage • Functional Entry Design)
The original mudroom layout was cramped and inefficient, offering minimal storage and poor traffic flow. The garage door opened directly into a wall, the single corner closet provided limited accessibility to its sides, and there was no place for shoes, coats, or everyday landing items. The space lacked both organization and visual appeal.
Key Issues in the Old Layout
Garage door swung into a side wall, restricting movement
Small corner closet with poor left/right access and inadequate capacity
No dedicated shoe storage
No seating or landing surface
No mirror, making the space feel smaller and less functional
Overall layout did not support daily use or family workflow
New Layout & Built-In Storage Solutions
The mudroom was completely reconfigured to create a balanced, efficient, and visually cohesive entry zone that supports everyday routines and maximizes available space.
Wall-to-Wall Back Closet
Full-width custom closet spans the entire back wall
Equipped with double pocket doors for effortless access without blocking circulation
Interior fitted with coat hanging space and top shelving for seasonal items
Full-Height Shoe & Accessory Storage
A dedicated tall cabinet provides:
Bottom half: organized shoe storage
Top half: adjustable shelves for accessories, baskets, or household essentials
Built-In Combo Opposite the Closet
A custom multifunctional unit includes:
Walnut bench top for warmth, texture, and a natural design element
Two deep drawers beneath the bench for gloves, hats, pet items, etc.
Full-height mirror strategically placed to visually expand the room
Open hanging storage for quick-access items
Upper enclosed cabinet with adjustable shelving for concealed storage
Additional Enhancements
The garage door swing was reversed for proper ergonomics and easier entry
Added crown molding throughout the space for a cohesive, finished look consistent with the rest of the renovation
Upgraded lighting brightens the room and enhances the sense of cleanliness and order

Our homeowner had worked with us in the past and asked us to design and renovate their 1980’s style master bathroom and closet into a modern oasis with a more functional layout. The original layout was chopped up and an inefficient use of space. Keeping the windows where they were, we simply swapped the vanity and the tub, and created an enclosed stool room. The shower was redesigned utilizing a gorgeous tile accent wall which was also utilized on the tub wall of the bathroom. A beautiful free-standing tub with modern tub filler were used to modernize the space and added a stunning focal point in the room. Two custom tall medicine cabinets were built to match the vanity and the closet cabinets for additional storage in the space with glass doors. The closet space was designed to match the bathroom cabinetry and provide closed storage without feeling narrow or enclosed. The outcome is a striking modern master suite that is not only functional but captures our homeowners’ great style

We wanted to update the master bathroom to be a more modern and open layout. There were existing skylights that we wanted to utilize and brighten the space because it was dark, dated, and closed off, making the layout inefficient. The client also wanted to add a tub, which did not exist. We reconfigured the entire layout to allow for adding a freestanding tub. We accomplished this by designing the shower and tub area to create a wet room on one side of the space.

Photography by Natalie Marotta
Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well.
The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry.
One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark.
As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces.
The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

Our homeowner had worked with us in the past and asked us to design and renovate their 1980’s style master bathroom and closet into a modern oasis with a more functional layout. The original layout was chopped up and an inefficient use of space. Keeping the windows where they were, we simply swapped the vanity and the tub, and created an enclosed stool room. The shower was redesigned utilizing a gorgeous tile accent wall which was also utilized on the tub wall of the bathroom. A beautiful free-standing tub with modern tub filler were used to modernize the space and added a stunning focal point in the room. Two custom tall medicine cabinets were built to match the vanity and the closet cabinets for additional storage in the space with glass doors. The closet space was designed to match the bathroom cabinetry and provide closed storage without feeling narrow or enclosed. The outcome is a striking modern master suite that is not only functional but captures our homeowners’ great style.

In this home remodeling project, the homeowners sought to transform their bathroom into an Industrial-style space. The original bathroom was dark, dated, and inefficient in its layout, prompting a complete overhaul to achieve a modern and functional feel. To optimize the space, unnecessary walls were knocked down, opening the area and allowing for a more logical flow. To preserve some of the home's historical elements, carefully selected materials were used, seamlessly blending the old with the new. A distinctive feature of the design was the incorporation of exposed pipes, not only as an industrial aesthetic element but also to create more space in the shower. The result is a bathroom that pays homage to the history of the home while introducing eye-catching tiles and a stylish vanity area, successfully combining industrial design elements with the practicality and aesthetics desired by the homeowners.

Designed + Built + Curated by Steven Allen Designs, LLC. ***Specializing in making your home a work of ART***
New Construction outside of Garden Oaks that highlights Innovative Designs/Patterns/Textures + Concrete Countertops + Vintage Furnishings + Custom Italian Laminated Cabinets + Polished Concrete Flooring + Executive Birch Bedroom with Chevron Pattern + Mitsubishi MiniSplits + Multi-Sliding Exterior Door + Large Deck + Designer Fixtures

Before: A previous renovation had left an unsightly support column and outdated U-shaped island which created an inefficient layout that made both prep and entertaining a challenge. The range and prep sink were confined to this space, and a kitchen cart housed the microwave and cutlery, further cluttering the area.

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.

To accomplish this goal, we replaced the inefficient old windows with Andersen 400 series double-hung windows and a new Andersen 200 series patio door.

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.
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