Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

Built in 1992, this lakeside home was ready for a full renovation to match its scenic setting and the demands of modern living. The original layout felt dated and inefficient, so the remodel opened the space by replacing a pantry closet with a sleek pantry cabinet and adding a large window above the sink to flood the kitchen with light and views. An oversized closet became a stylish wet bar and butler’s pantry in rich alder, now a walk-through between the dining and living areas. Warm white oak floors, contrasting cabinetry, honed Borghini marble, and soapstone counters complete the sophisticated yet inviting kitchen design. The bathroom, laundry room, sitting room, front entry, and dining area were also updated in the home remodel. Welcome to Heart of Home.

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.

These homeowners wanted to work with a designer to make their inefficient kitchen into a dark and chic space that would match the rest of their newly remodeled home. They had a clear vision of style and theme and believed they wanted all black painted cabinets with white quartz countertops, gold toned hardware, an island and more functional cabinet space. As we moved through the design process, they fell in love with the warmth and richness of Ebony stained maple doors and were delighted at how the Acacia Haze island and Palisa Tile in Fern softened the feel of the space. We designed the concept for their wine racks, dry bar, and custom floating shelves to make the giant window more purposeful which tied the two rooms together. Then we redesigned the layout with a Lazy Susan instead of a blind corner cabinet, an upper corner cabinet, spice rack cabinet, sheet pan cabinet and a functional fridge box. The island tied the whole room together with the bookshelf, roll outs, and pull-out trash bin. Nothing sets a mood better than under and above cabinet lighting! We revamped the light fixture placement, and they chose the perfect lights for the island. All their finishing touches make it a showstopper and a truly dark, chic and delightful space to hang out in.
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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.

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 beautiful 1935 cottage nestled in the forest needed a kitchen update that honored the rest of this quaint home. The homeowners contacted us to complete a period remodel, with some craftsman detail inspiration from their friend's home. Their current kitchen was not only inefficient for them, but also reflected a different era not true to the house.

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

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.

The owners bought this 1970s 'Colorado Lodge Style' student rental in central Boulder to turn it into a home for their family of four. The existing interior layout was awkward and inefficient. Thus, the first floor was reorganized to create more usable, family-friendly spaces and to create a relationship with the well-used backyard.
The barn lumber and wood floor were salvaged from the existing house to create a softened contrast for the light-filled, full-height spaces.
The kitchen and two bathrooms were completely renovated using modern finishes to tie the house together. The result is a modern home that functions effortlessly for a family of four.
Chris Nyce, Nyceone 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.

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 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

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.

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient.
The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home.
The homeowner’s needs included:
- Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay
- Incorporating work space for two chefs
- Creating a mudroom
- Maintaining the existing laundry chute
- A concealed trash receptacle
The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door.
The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

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!

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 bathroom remodel in Clinton, MA focused on upgrading an outdated and inefficient space into a clean, modern, and highly functional bathroom. The project included full demolition, plumbing updates, new tile installation, vanity replacement, lighting upgrades, and detailed finish work.
Our team maintained a clean and organized job site throughout the entire process, ensuring each phase was completed efficiently and with attention to detail. The layout was optimized to improve usability, while the selected materials provided durability and a timeless appearance.
The final result is a bright, refreshed bathroom designed for everyday comfort, featuring improved lighting, clean finishes, and a practical layout suited for a typical residential home.

The original 1970's kitchen with a peninsula to separate the kitchen and dining areas felt dark and inefficiently organized. Working with the homeowner, our architects designed an open, bright space with custom cabinetry, an island for seating and storage, and a wider opening to the adjoining space. The result is a clean, streamlined white space with contrasting touches of color. The project included closing a doorway between the foyer and kitchen. In the foyer, we designed wainscotting to match trim throughout the home.

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.

The original kitchen featured aging cabinets, outdated finishes, limited storage, and an inefficient layout. This is one of two before photos documenting the complete transformation.
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