Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

With sustainability in mind, this cheery and bright eclectic kitchen reused some elements from their old space to minimize their footprint. This craftsman bungalow had an old updated kitchen that offered a very inefficient layout with an awkward opening to the existing dining room. There was also a very shallow coat closet between the kitchen and living room that could not even fit a coat.
The new kitchen layout captured that unusable closet space, as well as chimney space that was no longer needed for mechanical venting. A more traditional work triangle was created by rearranging the placement of the sink, gas range and refrigerator. A new archway that mimics an original archway at the dining room built-in now highlights the bright and cheery kitchen space while providing a new seating area at a peninsula that is opened up between the kitchen and dining room.
The homeowner loved the vintage green color in their old cabinetry and wanted to keep that electric vintage styling in their new space. A custom, handmade tile backsplash in a neutral color adds texture while still letting the cabinetry be the star of the kitchen. Sustainability in mind, choices like Marmoleum flooring, formaldehyde free plywood cabinet boxes, and local sourcing for the tile were important to the clients. In addition to the kitchen project, they also added solar panels from All Energy Solar.
The clients reused some elements from their old space also to keep their footprint minimal. The old gas range was reused, the cabinetry hardware, and a beautiful patterned drum shade light that sits in the center of the ceiling adding even more charm to the design. In the end, the thoughtfulness of style, materials and function, helped to give this special house an equally special place to cook and entertain.

Dated, cramped, and inefficient spaces in this 1920's Storybook Tudor home were opened up and reconfigured to create a 2-Cooks Kitchen, a new Laundry, and a new Powder Room. As a bonus, the Owners were given a new Art Niche for one of their prized pieces from Africa.

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
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The Home Office including work and study areas are essential in today's modern home. New technologies, work at home as well as shared spaces make the standard desk system inefficient if not obsolete. We can help create the ideal high performance area that will not only work for you but also add to the beauty of your home.

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.

Brunswick Parlour transforms a Victorian cottage into a hard-working, personalised home for a family of four.
Our clients loved the character of their Brunswick terrace home, but not its inefficient floor plan and poor year-round thermal control. They didn't need more space, they just needed their space to work harder.
The front bedrooms remain largely untouched, retaining their Victorian features and only introducing new cabinetry. Meanwhile, the main bedroom’s previously pokey en suite and wardrobe have been expanded, adorned with custom cabinetry and illuminated via a generous skylight.
At the rear of the house, we reimagined the floor plan to establish shared spaces suited to the family’s lifestyle. Flanked by the dining and living rooms, the kitchen has been reoriented into a more efficient layout and features custom cabinetry that uses every available inch. In the dining room, the Swiss Army Knife of utility cabinets unfolds to reveal a laundry, more custom cabinetry, and a craft station with a retractable desk. Beautiful materiality throughout infuses the home with warmth and personality, featuring Blackbutt timber flooring and cabinetry, and selective pops of green and pink tones.
The house now works hard in a thermal sense too. Insulation and glazing were updated to best practice standard, and we’ve introduced several temperature control tools. Hydronic heating installed throughout the house is complemented by an evaporative cooling system and operable skylight.
The result is a lush, tactile home that increases the effectiveness of every existing inch to enhance daily life for our clients, proving that good design doesn’t need to add space to add value.

Our very busy clients turned to us to help them remodel the kitchen in their twenty year old home. While the layout was good, and the cherry cabinetry looked fine on the the surface, they wanted to make some important updates. The cabinets were starting to show some wear and tear and did not have any of the bells and whistles they desired (soft close drawers, pull-out shelves, a wine rack, and file drawer storage). Dated laminate countertops, an inefficient island, lack of a suitable backsplash material, and a need to replace appliances led them to this remodel. While the kitchen was basically gutted, we did not need to reconfigure the space other than making a slight change to the island. We enjoyed helping our clients select creamy maple cabinets, a gorgeous Quartz counter by Cambria, neutral stone backsplash in a linear pattern, and striking dark hardwood floors throughout the first floor. Finishing touches included cabinet pulls, lighting (we especially love the oversize lantern above the table), and custom valances and chair cushions. Now, the kitchen is not only functional but beautiful!
Photography by Karen Captline, Better Be Creative

Original laundry room was inefficient and lacked storage. Redesigned laundry room for maximum efficiency. Custom cabinets were designed to accommodate stacked washer and dryer; laundry sink, folding area and storage. The laundry sink counter top has a custom fabricated top that fits into sink to create a flat area for folding laundry.. The faucet was recessed to allow for maximum folding space. Area below sink cabinet is used for the dog's feeding station. A tin wall plaque hides the electrical panel!
Interior Design: Bell & Associates Interior Design, Ltd
Construction: Sigmon Construction
Cabinets: Cardinal Cabinetworks
Photography: Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography

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.

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.

Our very busy clients turned to us to help them remodel the kitchen in their twenty year old home. While the layout was good, and the cherry cabinetry looked fine on the the surface, they wanted to make some important updates. The cabinets were starting to show some wear and tear and did not have any of the bells and whistles they desired (soft close drawers, pull-out shelves, a wine rack, and file drawer storage). Dated laminate countertops, an inefficient island, lack of a suitable backsplash material, and a need to replace appliances led them to this remodel. While the kitchen was basically gutted, we did not need to reconfigure the space other than making a slight change to the island. We enjoyed helping our clients select creamy maple cabinets, a gorgeous Quartz counter by Cambria, neutral stone backsplash in a linear pattern, and striking dark hardwood floors throughout the first floor. Finishing touches included cabinet pulls, lighting (we especially love the oversize lantern above the table), and custom valances and chair cushions. Now, the kitchen is not only functional but beautiful!
Photography by Karen Captline, Better Be Creative

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 South Minneapolis family bathroom was pretty groovy before Castle arrived! Old shiny wallpaper, outdated and crumbling tile and an inefficient floor plan were not serving this growing family any longer.
A new floor plan opened up the natural light to the entire bathroom and allowed a much-desired double vanity to be installed. The homeowners wanted direct access from their master bedroom as well, so a new door opening was created for easier access without disturbing the rest of the household.
A bright space was important to the homeowners, so a solar tube was installed with an integral bath fan. The old window was converted to more private glass block, and a wall of mirror was added to reflect natural light throughout the space and to make the space feel bigger. A fresh, transitional color scheme was chosen with timeless materials like marble and white.

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.

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.

[?????? ??????????] At the intersection of art and architecture lives our Mobile Greenhouse. This seeming love-child of tom fruin & olson kundig was assembled with salvaged pieces including Sunkist-steel-factory windows, a motorcycle trailer, an old factory hand wheel, a rooftop solar water tank, a kid’s single speed bicycle front/rear sprockets, a chain from a retractable entry gate along with new metal stock from @ims_metals and beautiful art glass from @pacificartglass. p.c. Gary Moss Photography
Function is elevated through beauty and now our herb garden is protected from the adorable bunnies of this Conejo Valley while the structure throws pools of liquid blue and green on the DG. All while re-using leftover parts, some of a bygone era. (Sigh. Oh, single-paned steel windows, we love you - even though you are completely energy inefficient) The parabolic angle-iron arch was critical to the design so we sallied forth through the tantrums it caused. As lovers of #stainedglass in general, we loved seeing this larger scale project come together.

JDBG created an expansive and tailored new master bathroom/closet/dressing area by reclaiming wasted space from an inefficient and dated bathroom layout.
Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography

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.

Beautiful Hand Scraped Hardwood Flooring in Highland Park, Illinois ?
Here are a few shots from this week’s project over 3,000 sq.ft. ???.
Custom Hand scraped Walnut Hardwood Flooring and edges
with custom color Bona stain + Bona HD Traffic Satin finish Bona US Professional ❤️. The Floor look at this stunning !!! With our handcrafted wood flooring, we use old-school methods, such as hand-scraping and hand-finishing, to enhance the natural beauty of each salvaged species wood . Every board is finished by hand, piece by piece. Yes, it’s inefficient, but the result and value of authenticity are unparalleled. ??? Hand scraped wood floors are trendy in recent times because they capture the old world historic charm of days gone by. This style of flooring can be a touch more expensive than others – especially in comparison to a traditional flooring.
Hand Scraped Flooring Pros:
❤️ UNIQUE – No two boards are the same, and your house won’t look like everyone else’s!
❤️ Long Term Durability – while normal wear and tear might be catastrophic for more refined hardwood floors, these are more beautiful with time.
❤️ Low Maintenance – because this flooring is already rustic and distressed, a scrape or scratch here and there won’t be cause for concern.

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.
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