Search results for "Inefficient" in Home Design Ideas

Before: A previous renovation had left an unsightly support column and outdated U-shaped island which created an inefficient layout that made both prep and entertaining a challenge.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.

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.

What began as an awkward and inefficient layout turned into a sleek, high contrast bath with a dose of modern warmth perfect for my client's growing family. The footprint (and even the window!) remained the same while the rest was gutted and redesigned to include a double vanity with storage and a wet space that combines the walk-in shower and tub.
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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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

This mid-century modern bathroom remodel began by tackling the challenge of reconfiguring a cramped and inefficient master suite layout. The goal was to create a spacious bathroom with double sinks and integrated linen storage, alongside a better-organized closet. Originally positioned above the closet, the skylight was better suited for the bathroom, so we flipped the floor plan to bring that natural light where it’s most needed. The result is a bathroom that seamlessly blends mid-century modern style with craftsman-inspired details, perfectly complementing the character of this early 1900s home.

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

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

What was once two separate, inefficient closets divided by a hallway is now a unified, beautifully organized space to start the day. By reworking the layout and incorporating pocket doors at the bedroom and bath, we created better flow and maximized every square foot. One cohesive closet, tailored for two, so each person still has their own defined area.

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

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.

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 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

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.
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