Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Complete pool remodel in just 3 weeks on Indian rocks beach fl. The pool tile and deck were replaced along with the pool finish.
Island style pool photo in Tampa

10-Lite v-groove door

This 3,000 sq. ft. West Village duplex, penthouse loft was designed as a one bedroom apartment. The space was created out of 2 factory buildings; the main floor is bisected by a three foot masonry wall. Rosenberg Kolb’s new design creates new openings in this wall and makes living, dining, kitchen and guestroom/study areas that are open to each other but can also be isolated with a series of cherrywood door-walls. With small windows on the main living floor, two large skylights bring daylight to the previously dark areas of the loft. Upstairs the master bedroom and bath have continuous windows with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. Rosenberg Kolb finished the bathroom floor and walls with glass mosaic tiles. The second level opens to two large deck areas commanding panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. The detailing here has a ‘nautical’ theme with weathered teak furniture and cedar decking, running lights, stainless cabling and circular steel stairs.

This 3,000 sq. ft. West Village duplex, penthouse loft was designed as a one bedroom apartment. The space was created out of 2 factory buildings; the main floor is bisected by a three foot masonry wall. Rosenberg Kolb’s new design creates new openings in this wall and makes living, dining, kitchen and guestroom/study areas that are open to each other but can also be isolated with a series of cherrywood door-walls. With small windows on the main living floor, two large skylights bring daylight to the previously dark areas of the loft. Upstairs the master bedroom and bath have continuous windows with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. Rosenberg Kolb finished the bathroom floor and walls with glass mosaic tiles. The second level opens to two large deck areas commanding panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. The detailing here has a ‘nautical’ theme with weathered teak furniture and cedar decking, running lights, stainless cabling and circular steel stairs.

We focused on opening up this small, isolated, galley style kitchen into a space where these home owners could entertain, cook, and have an occasional glass of wine. Honestly - check out that wine refrigerator! By removing the central wall between the dining room and kitchen, it allowed light to flow through the entire home. We added a large pantry to ensure we maintained plenty of storage space while creating this open floorplan. White cabinets, dark countertops, and a medium tone hardwood floor leave this space feeling timeless and elegant. Interior Design by Bennett Design Co.

The original game room served as the catalyst for transforming Evermore into a rustic industrial retreat. The room was connected to the dining area through an awkward vestibule which unnecessarily narrowed the room and rather than connect it to the rest of the home, it isolated it. The vestibule along with approximately 10ft of the common wall was removed opening up the game room to the entire living area. Over strenuous objections from local contractors we removed all of the log & twig railings and replaced them with what has become a continual conversation piece. Photo Credit: TraceJordan Properties

This 3,000 sq. ft. West Village duplex, penthouse loft was designed as a one bedroom apartment. The space was created out of 2 factory buildings; the main floor is bisected by a three foot masonry wall. Rosenberg Kolb’s new design creates new openings in this wall and makes living, dining, kitchen and guestroom/study areas that are open to each other but can also be isolated with a series of cherrywood door-walls. With small windows on the main living floor, two large skylights bring daylight to the previously dark areas of the loft. Upstairs the master bedroom and bath have continuous windows with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. Rosenberg Kolb finished the bathroom floor and walls with glass mosaic tiles. The second level opens to two large deck areas commanding panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. The detailing here has a ‘nautical’ theme with weathered teak furniture and cedar decking, running lights, stainless cabling and circular steel stairs.

This custom home theater has sound traps in both corners and features extensive acoustical treatment in the walls, ceiling and floor. These have been engineered to completely isolate it from the surrounding living space. The theater includes custom speakers, a Lutron Radio RA total home control system, tiered seating, custom carpeting, LED Lighting, and an acoustically transparent screen.

The original residence designed by Lyndon Buchanan Associates includes two pieces, the main house and a second building that houses a small workshop, guest room and bath. The addition is adjacent to existing work spaces, and includes shelving, drawers and nooks as well as work space that will be isolated, but adjacent to the rooms of the house, making it easier to use in connection with studio spaces and proximate to exhibition cases. The addition is sited on the north west side of the main house, in a location that does not disturb any views from other houses or from Sea Gate Road, and is designed to add a segment that provides better wind-shade, privacy and sound protection for the exterior decks on the southwest. Its roof is sloped down towards the north and into the wind, providing the most effective wind-shadow protection from the common winds, and minimizing walls facing north. Large openings on the south will bring in solar gain, to be stored in the concrete floors, which will also have radiant heating. The workspace will have access from both the house and the garden, and a small concrete pad outdoors. Project was done in collaboration with Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA.

This view captures the bedroom as part of a larger architectural sequence rather than as an isolated room. A sculpted white partition partially encloses the sleeping area while preserving a long perspective toward the adjoining hallway, creating privacy without sacrificing openness or visual continuity. Pale oak flooring flows uninterrupted through the spaces, warming the crisp white walls and emphasizing the home’s restrained material palette. Black wall-mounted reading lamps and a row of directional ceiling fixtures introduce a graphic, industrial character that complements the steel-framed doors and windows. Carefully selected photography and artwork bring depth, color, and cultural personality to the neutral interior, while the wood bed and small sculptural side table add natural texture. Soft daylight filters through the distant glazing, producing a calm and evenly illuminated atmosphere. The design reflects contemporary minimalism with gallery-inspired and modern rustic influences. Experiencing the space feels quiet and personal, with the warmth of wood and art softening the precision of the architectural forms.

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Orange County

The original game room served as the catalyst for transforming Evermore into a rustic industrial retreat. The room was connected to the dining area through an awkward vestibule which unnecessarily narrowed the room and rather than connect it to the rest of the home, it isolated it. The vestibule along with approximately 10ft of the common wall was removed opening up the game room to the entire living area. Over strenuous objections from local contractors we removed all of the log & twig railings and replaced them with what has become a continual conversation piece. Photo Credit: TraceJordan Properties

We focused on opening up this small, isolated, galley style kitchen into a space where these home owners could entertain, cook, and have an occasional glass of wine. Honestly - check out that wine refrigerator! By removing the central wall between the dining room and kitchen, it allowed light to flow through the entire home. We added a large pantry to ensure we maintained plenty of storage space while creating this open floorplan. White cabinets, dark countertops, and a medium tone hardwood floor leave this space feeling timeless and elegant. Interior Design by Bennett Design Co.

The original game room served as the catalyst for transforming Evermore into a rustic industrial retreat. The room was connected to the dining area through an awkward vestibule which unnecessarily narrowed the room and rather than connect it to the rest of the home, it isolated it. The vestibule along with approximately 10ft of the common wall was removed opening up the game room to the entire living area. Over strenuous objections from local contractors we removed all of the log & twig railings and replaced them with what has become a continual conversation piece. Photo Credit: TraceJordan Properties

This 3,000 sq. ft. West Village duplex, penthouse loft was designed as a one bedroom apartment. The space was created out of 2 factory buildings; the main floor is bisected by a three foot masonry wall. Rosenberg Kolb’s new design creates new openings in this wall and makes living, dining, kitchen and guestroom/study areas that are open to each other but can also be isolated with a series of cherrywood door-walls. With small windows on the main living floor, two large skylights bring daylight to the previously dark areas of the loft. Upstairs the master bedroom and bath have continuous windows with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. Rosenberg Kolb finished the bathroom floor and walls with glass mosaic tiles. The second level opens to two large deck areas commanding panoramic views of the Hudson River from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge. The detailing here has a ‘nautical’ theme with weathered teak furniture and cedar decking, running lights, stainless cabling and circular steel stairs.

G. Russ
Trendy galley bamboo floor eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, subway tile backsplash, beige walls and an island

This 80 year old farm house was in need of an update. The kitchen and dining areas were cramped, dark and isolated from one another. The homeowner requested an open floor plan with more storage and space where her children could play while she was busy in the kitchen. Thompson Remodeling flipped the existing positions of the dining room and kitchen and removed walls to open up the space. The new kitchen has bright white cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a butcher block counter. A custom banquette provides seating and a spot for the kids to play and do homework while its bench doubles as hidden storage. The wet bar in the dining space has loads of pantry space. The existing floors were very uneven, so we used a vinyl plank flooring that would allow more give for installation. It looks just like weathered pine and will offer very easy care for the busy family.

The original residence designed by Lyndon Buchanan Associates includes two pieces, the main house and a second building that houses a small workshop, guest room and bath. The addition is adjacent to existing work spaces, and includes shelving, drawers and nooks as well as work space that will be isolated, but adjacent to the rooms of the house, making it easier to use in connection with studio spaces and proximate to exhibition cases. The addition is sited on the north west side of the main house, in a location that does not disturb any views from other houses or from Sea Gate Road, and is designed to add a segment that provides better wind-shade, privacy and sound protection for the exterior decks on the southwest. Its roof is sloped down towards the north and into the wind, providing the most effective wind-shadow protection from the common winds, and minimizing walls facing north. Large openings on the south will bring in solar gain, to be stored in the concrete floors, which will also have radiant heating. The workspace will have access from both the house and the garden, and a small concrete pad outdoors. Project was done in collaboration with Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA.