Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

This homeowner had a dated kitchen that lacked flow and function. We started by removing the soffits and inefficient pantry closet to make way for the new layout. Next we removed the old cabinets and installed all new cabinets from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. They went with a combination of mission and a simple shaker doors throughout the kitchen. The two-toned look of the cabinetry along with the clean and striking look of the countertop and backsplash combination made for a jaw-dropping transformation. New LVP flooring was also quite the upgrade from the old sheet-vinyl floor that was in there before. This is truly a beautiful kitchen transformation.

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The Challenge: An Outdated and Divided Bathroom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.

This project is a Houzz Kitchen of the Week! Click below to read the full story!
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116547325/list/kitchen-of-the-week-better-brighter-and-no-longer-basic
Our clients came to us wanting an elegant and functional kitchen and brighter living room. Their kitchen was dark and inefficient. The cabinets felt cluttered and the storage was there, but not functional for this family. They wanted all new finishes; especially new cabinets, but the floors were going to stay and be refinished. No wall relocation was needed but adding a door into the dining room to block the view from the front into the kitchen was discussed. They wanted to bring in more light somehow and preferably natural light. There was an unused sink in the butler’s pantry that they wanted capped, giving them more space and organized storage was a must! In their living room, they love their fireplace because it reminds her of her home in Colorado, so that definitely had to stay but everything else was left to the designers.
After all decisions were made, this gorgeous kitchen and living space came to life! It is bright, open and airy, just like our clients wanted. Soft White Shiloh cabinetry was installed with a contrasting Cocoa island. Honed Levantina Taj Mahal quartzite was a beautiful countertop for this space. Bedrosians Grace 4”x 12” wall tile in Panna was the backsplash throughout the kitchen. The stove wall is flanked with dark wooden shelves on either side of vent-a-hood creating a feature area to the cook area. A beautiful maple barn door with seeded baroque tempered glass inserts was installed to close off the pantry and giving them more room than a traditional door. The original wainscoting remained in the kitchen and living areas but was modified in the kitchen where the cabinets were slightly extended and painted white throughout. LED tape lighting was installed under the cabinets, LED lighting was also added to the top of the upper glass cabinets, in addition to the grow lights installed for their herbs. All of the light fixtures were updated to a timeless classic look and feel. Imbrie articulating wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window/sink and in the butler’s pantry and aged brass Hood classic globe pendants were hung over the island, really drawing your attention to the kitchen. The Alturas fixture from SeaGull Lighing now hangs in the center of the living room, where there was once an outdated ceiling fan. In the living room, the walls were painted white, while leaving the wood and stone fireplace, as requested, leaving an absolutely amazing contrast!
Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging
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Kitchen, bath and master bedroom remodel on a very modest budget. Cramped, dark spaces with inefficient floor plans were opened up and made much more functional. Many salvaged parts were used in the project for economy and beauty. The Victorian style was respected while also making the spaces contemporary in feeling and use.
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/victorian-salvage/

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 home, built in 1902, has beautiful craftsmanship but the original kitchen was small, inefficient and disconnected from the rest of the home. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room, and eliminating the basement access from the kitchen space helped meet one of the key requirements for the clients, which was to be able to entertain friends and family. The new beam was concealed with an arch that mimics an existing arch in this home. Unique items such as the light fixture were repurposed in the new design as well.

Historic homes are a hidden gem, and when this client approached me about remodeling her family home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas I
knew we had a diamond in the rough. Under many layers of vinyl tile and plywood, the kitchen floors revealed pristine hardwoods waiting to be brought to life. An inefficient vintage kitchen had begun to break down and cramp the client's style and productivity. Mullioned windows obstructed the client's view
and hindered her from connecting with nature. The detail elements such as soft arches transitioning from room to room were lost in a sea of white. This beloved home had become something it wasn't meant to be. Our goal was to help it welcome friends and family with open arms and provide a casual atmosphere in which to love, laugh and relax. We needed to transform it all; floors, walls, kitchen and bedrooms. We left no stone unturned until we had the perfect collaboration of traditional family heirlooms mixed in with a modern palette. New brown stained floors, grey European style cabinets, white quartz counters, textured backsplash tile, mullion free vinyl windows and an open floorplan modernized this kitchen while staying true to its natural roots. Neutral gray walls collaborate with dark accents in the arches to define their detail. Reupholstering the furniture in patterned fabrics updated each room to span the spectrum of traditional to modern. The curated collection of family antiques finished in new hues and newly acquired pieces create a space unique to and adored by this client. Photos by Zack Lewis of Showcase Photographers

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

Like their cousins in the 1800/2200 freestanding series, the 1800 series inserts offer the same tried-and-tested architecture and the same great features, including a magnificent view of the fire through the bay window. They are also equipped with a powerful blower, transforming your old, inefficient fireplace into a highly effective heating system. The 1800 series insert is both practical and elegant, and is a perfect choice for your living room or basement fireplace.

First on the list was removing a pantry wall that blocked the view from the kitchen to the living area where one of two fireplaces now seemed underwhelming and dated. Both were overhauled. Also on the list was enlarging the center island to accommodate more people as these homeowners really cherished their time to entertain friends and family. The existing kitchen workflow was hampered by a design that was inefficient and even a little cramped when it came to access cabinets near the island. So, appliances were repositioned, the angled command center wall removed, a patio door to the deck was removed and large windows were added over a new sink to bring substantially more light to the space. Access to the adjoining deck was repositioned to the right of the space as a single entry to provide more cabinet space. Ceilings were retextured, floors refinished in a lighter shade and additional recessed lights were added. Even the railing and stairs to the lower level were re-shaded to richer, darker hue for aesthetic contrast.
Design/Build Consultant — Cherie Poissant
Photography — Alyssa Lee

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.

This open concept had everything everyone asks for such as an open plan with connection to the Family room, an island, wall ovens, etc. However, all of these great features were poorly arranged and inhibited the use of the space.
By redesigning the layout, we were able to keep all existing walls in place and provide a new and improved layout that the homeowner loves.
The full size refrigerator was relocated to the corner, a range replaced the cooktop & wall ovens which were not efficient in the limited space, and a three-segment island replaced the existing two-tired island. The new island provides more seating, additional workspace and most importantly, improved flow.
Cabinetry was replaced with white shaker style cabinets that extend to the ceiling. A TV was built-in above the 5-door refrigerator, a new chimney style hood and glass front cabinet were carefully positioned to create balance. The island was painted a blue-grey color and topped with a warm, elegant wood top. Cabinets lining the walls are topped with blue-grey granite and have a coordinating glass tile backsplash. Dark stainless steel appliances provide the right amount of contrast. New lighting and refreshed floors finish off the space.
The inefficient pantry closet was replaced with a new built-in pantry cabinet with pull-out tray shelves and deep drawers.

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.

Our client had the perfect lot with plenty of natural privacy and a pleasant view from every direction. What he didn’t have was a home that fit his needs and matched his lifestyle. The home he purchased was a 1980’s house lacking modern amenities and an open flow for movement and sight lines as well as inefficient use of space throughout the house.
After a great room remodel, opening up into a grand kitchen/ dining room, the first-floor offered plenty of natural light and a great view of the expansive back and side yards. The kitchen remodel continued that open feel while adding a number of modern amenities like solid surface tops, and soft close cabinet doors.
Kitchen Remodeling Specs:
Kitchen includes granite kitchen and hutch countertops.
Granite built-in counter and fireplace
surround.
3cm thick polished granite with 1/8″
V eased, 3/8″ radius, 3/8″ top &bottom,
bevel or full bullnose edge profile. 3cm
4″ backsplash with eased polished edges.
All granite treated with “Stain-Proof 15 year sealer. Oak flooring throughout.

This photo shows the original condition of the kitchen before construction began in Hawthorne, Los Angeles. The space featured outdated finishes, worn cabinetry, and an inefficient layout, setting the foundation for a full transformation by Above and Beyond Builders.

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

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

This couple approached us to design and renovate their existing master suite on their adorable Broad Ripple area home. Their goals were to update, open up and improve the function of their space. The ceilings were very low and the space was tight with an inefficient master bath and separate closet. We began by removing the ceiling and providing a high cathedral space for an expanded feel in the bedroom. We removed a side door and picture window and installed a sliding glass door to improve the natural lighting of the space and allow access to their landscaped patio on the back of the home. We stole space from the large master bedroom and eliminated the door that led into the closet, to allow for a larger bathroom and walk-in master closet with dressing area. This permitted a larger shower with a bench and the addition of a make-up vanity area. We also enlarged the window in the bathroom to allow more natural light into the space. The final design element was a floating step outside the sliding door onto their patio which is clean, modern and enhances the entrance to their serene master suite from the exterior.

In this Breakaway Trails home, our clients were ready to say goodbye to their outdated, builder-grade kitchen and welcome a space designed for daily living. We transformed their dark, inefficient layout into a bright and functional kitchen with clean white shaker cabinets and thoughtful details throughout. Custom storage features like hidden pull-outs, cutlery organizers, and an appliance garage keep the space uncluttered, while a new wine bar adds convenience and a touch of personality. The result is a kitchen that feels fresh, organized, and truly tailored to the way our clients live.
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