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Formerly cluttered and inefficient, this simplified design provides intimate dining in an informal yet elegant space.
Photo by David Bader
Transitional dining room photo in Milwaukee
Transitional dining room photo in Milwaukee

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.

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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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 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

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.

On the second floor, the transformation was achieved without adding a single square foot. By reimagining an oversized, inefficient closet and an adjacent office, we were able to thoughtfully reconfigure the layout and introduce a new primary bathroom. This strategic redesign created a gracious primary suite that feels well-proportioned and intentional, proving that meaningful change often comes from smarter use of space rather than expansion.

Originally an inefficient and dated apartment, this Vancouver Loft was stripped back to its shell and remodeled into a 2 bedroom 2 bath home made to entertain. The combination of subtle warm and cool materials/colours create a calm backdrop for feature elements like the 18’ tall fireplace and contemporary chandelier.

"Tips To Help Cool Down Air-Conditioning Costs" - Read more here: http://mainlinehes.com/tips-to-help-cool-down-air-conditioning-costs/

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

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.

Big changes at this Wayne Pa kitchen remodel. This homes original kitchen was tight and poorly designed for the space. We removed a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining sitting room as well as a ton of inefficient framed pantries and closets to open up the space. We installed a new 7 ½’ window overlooking the backyard patio and pool as well as bringing great natural light into the space. With a family of 5 this customer needed lots of storage and fridge space. We designed the new kitchen with this in mind. The Fabuwood cabinetry in the Galaxy Frost door style gives this kitchen a clean bright feel and all the pantries and 2 fridges give the customer all the storage they could dream of. The flooring was replaced throughout the first floor and kitchen with kid and lifestyle friendly Coretec waterproof luxury vinyl which will hold up to plenty of wet feet from the backyard pool. The steel grey granite with a leathered finish has a smooth textured feel and coordinates well with the flooring and other finishes. The tile backsplash was installed in a herring bone pattern adds to this awesome new look. Everything was expertly installed by lead carpenters Steve McHenry and Rick Morro. What a great project with happy homeowners.

The remodel of this family's home began with updating the master bedroom and bathroom. The clients were so thrilled with the results that the project scope increased to include the renovation of their entire home. A once cramped and inefficient layout was completely revised and space was expanded to include a new stairwell tower and upper landing, new kitchen, walk-in pantry, dining room and guest wing.
Architect: Stoner Architects
Photography: Holli Dunn @2littlebirdies 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

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

Extension, whole house refurbishment and barn conversion for a private client in Dorset. An inefficient and outdated farm house has been transformed into a low energy, modern family home. With sympathetic extensions as well as conversions of existing redundant out buildings, bringing them into use as part of the dwelling

A long overdue renovation was needed for this kitchen. Belonging to a chef, it was cramped, inefficient and difficult to work in. Turnstyle came in and opened up walls, bringing in much more natural light, improving flow and removing previous space constraints. With floor to ceiling glass tile in a gorgeous palette and herringbone pattern, we emphasized the extra-large pass-through we created, with now full view to the pool and what we turned into the now dining room. Custom cabinetry and countertops, feel easy for kids to find their place and wallpaper adds whimsy surrounding a wonderful open pantry area – perfect for any chef to feel fully inspired. | Twist Tours Photography

Our instructions from the client were to "create a fiercely modern, all-white kitchen, but with humanity."
Working within a ten foot by fifteen foot space that was dark, cramped, inefficient, we created a new kitchen laid out in a very logical way visually and for cooking, which feels dramatically larger and brighter. No walls were moved , but openings to adjacent spaces were relocated and resized. The result is a kitchen which appears and feels much larger than it really is.
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