Double-height entry, looking toward stair, and kitchen and family room beyond.
Large farmhouse wooden straight dark wood floor staircase photo in Portland with white walls and wooden risers

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.

Large trendy master white tile and stone tile marble floor claw-foot bathtub photo in Columbus with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

A doctor in Dallas hired Mapos to design his dream home in the upscale neighborhood of Bluffview that would serve as both a haven from his hectic days at the hospital and a space to support his active outdoor lifestyle. Mapos was tasked with designing a modern home that would function as a definitive counterpoint to the new, yet traditional McMansions on adjacent properties. The client emphasized the necessity of informal living and dining areas for entertaining, spacious bedrooms, a home office, and plentiful storage space for his outdoor gear and automobiles. He also requested an outdoor pool, hot tub, and lush landscape to isolate the property and establish a sense of privacy. The two-story interior was designed as an open volume with the second floor inserted into a larger box, creating a dramatic interplay of double-height and compressed spaces on the lower level. For the exterior, Mapos composed the house out of four flat-roofed volumes, assembled to create welcoming front and rear outdoor spaces, intimate landscaped side gardens, and visual protection from the neighbors. The forms and proportions combined contain a rich assembly of indoor and outdoor spaces that will serve the client for years to come.

This client needed a place to entertain by the pool. They had already done their “inside” kitchen with Bilotta and so returned to design their outdoor space. All summer they spend a lot of time in their backyard entertaining guests, day and night. But before they had their fully designed outdoor space, whoever was in charge of grilling would feel isolated from everyone else. They needed one cohesive space to prep, mingle, eat and drink, alongside their pool. They did not skimp on a thing – they wanted all the bells and whistles: a big Wolf grill, plenty of weather resistant countertop space for dining (Lapitec - Grigio Cemento, by Eastern Stone), an awning (Durasol Pinnacle II by Gregory Sahagain & Sons, Inc.) that would also keep bright light out of the family room, lights, and an indoor space where they could escape the bugs if needed and even watch TV. The client was thrilled with the outcome - their complete vision for an ideal outdoor entertaining space came to life. Cabinetry is Lynx Professional Storage Line. Refrigerator drawers and sink by Lynx. Faucet is stainless by MGS Nerhas. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane with Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

The condominium is on the 15th floor of Siesta Key’s Terrace Building, originally designed in 1969 by Frank Folsom Smith. Two corner units were combined into a single condo. All interior partitions were removed. The ceiling finish was stripped to expose the concrete formwork. The bathrooms, storage, and kitchen are laid out in a wood-clad central core. The windows were replaced by a series of 7-panel bi-fold glass doors that open out from the structural corners. A custom steel desk was designed to span between existing columns. The master bedroom faces the city while the living space faces the Gulf and the beach. Ten-foot-wide steel and wood folding partitions allow the owner to transform the space and to isolate the office from either the living or the master. The partitions fold back into the wood core to reconnect the private suite with the rest of the unit to form one continuous space. The master bath borrows light from an adjoining space through a window with a switchable electric film. Speakers, vents and air return are all accommodated through discrete cuts and perforations in the wood veneer.

22 pages photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s master cork floor bedroom remodel in Portland with white walls and no fireplace

A doctor in Dallas hired Mapos to design his dream home in the upscale neighborhood of Bluffview that would serve as both a haven from his hectic days at the hospital and a space to support his active outdoor lifestyle. Mapos was tasked with designing a modern home that would function as a definitive counterpoint to the new, yet traditional McMansions on adjacent properties. The client emphasized the necessity of informal living and dining areas for entertaining, spacious bedrooms, a home office, and plentiful storage space for his outdoor gear and automobiles. He also requested an outdoor pool, hot tub, and lush landscape to isolate the property and establish a sense of privacy. The two-story interior was designed as an open volume with the second floor inserted into a larger box, creating a dramatic interplay of double-height and compressed spaces on the lower level. For the exterior, Mapos composed the house out of four flat-roofed volumes, assembled to create welcoming front and rear outdoor spaces, intimate landscaped side gardens, and visual protection from the neighbors. The forms and proportions combined contain a rich assembly of indoor and outdoor spaces that will serve the client for years to come.

A doctor in Dallas hired Mapos to design his dream home in the upscale neighborhood of Bluffview that would serve as both a haven from his hectic days at the hospital and a space to support his active outdoor lifestyle. Mapos was tasked with designing a modern home that would function as a definitive counterpoint to the new, yet traditional McMansions on adjacent properties. The client emphasized the necessity of informal living and dining areas for entertaining, spacious bedrooms, a home office, and plentiful storage space for his outdoor gear and automobiles. He also requested an outdoor pool, hot tub, and lush landscape to isolate the property and establish a sense of privacy. The two-story interior was designed as an open volume with the second floor inserted into a larger box, creating a dramatic interplay of double-height and compressed spaces on the lower level. For the exterior, Mapos composed the house out of four flat-roofed volumes, assembled to create welcoming front and rear outdoor spaces, intimate landscaped side gardens, and visual protection from the neighbors. The forms and proportions combined contain a rich assembly of indoor and outdoor spaces that will serve the client for years to come.

Bringing to the table a sense of scale and proportion, the architect delivered the clarity and organization required to translate a sketch into working plans. The result is a custom blend of authentic Bermudian architecture, modernism, and old Palm Beach elements. The stepped, white roof of Tarpon Cove is instantly recognizable as authentic Bermudian. Hand-built by craftsmen using traditional techniques, the roof includes all of the water channeling and capturing technology utilized in the most sustainable of Bermudian homes. Leading from its grand entry, a negative edge pool continues to a coquina limestone seawall, cut away like the gondola docks an ode to the history of Palm Beach. Attached is a unique slat house, a light-roofed structure with a modern twist on a classic space. Fulfilling the client's vision, this home not only allows for grand scale philanthropical entertaining, but also enables the owners to relax and enjoy a retreat with family, friends, and their dogs. Entertaining spaces are uniquely organized so that they are isolated from those utilized for intimate living, while still maintaining an open plan that allows for comfortable everyday enjoyment. The flexible layout, with exterior glass walls that virtually disappear, unites the interior and outdoor spaces. Seamless transitions from sumptuous interiors to lush gardens reflect an outstanding collaboration between the architect and the landscape designer. Photos by Sargent Architectual Photography

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.

Photo: Faith Towers Media © 2015 Houzz
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Boston

KMSalter Design
Bedroom - mid-sized eclectic master carpeted bedroom idea in Toronto with blue walls

Bringing to the table a sense of scale and proportion, the architect delivered the clarity and organization required to translate a sketch into working plans. The result is a custom blend of authentic Bermudian architecture, modernism, and old Palm Beach elements. The stepped, white roof of Tarpon Cove is instantly recognizable as authentic Bermudian. Hand-built by craftsmen using traditional techniques, the roof includes all of the water channeling and capturing technology utilized in the most sustainable of Bermudian homes. Leading from its grand entry, a negative edge pool continues to a coquina limestone seawall, cut away like the gondola docks an ode to the history of Palm Beach. Attached is a unique slat house, a light-roofed structure with a modern twist on a classic space. Fulfilling the client's vision, this home not only allows for grand scale philanthropical entertaining, but also enables the owners to relax and enjoy a retreat with family, friends, and their dogs. Entertaining spaces are uniquely organized so that they are isolated from those utilized for intimate living, while still maintaining an open plan that allows for comfortable everyday enjoyment. The flexible layout, with exterior glass walls that virtually disappear, unites the interior and outdoor spaces. Seamless transitions from sumptuous interiors to lush gardens reflect an outstanding collaboration between the architect and the landscape designer. Photos by Sargent Architectual Photography

This client needed a place to entertain by the pool. They had already done their “inside” kitchen with Bilotta and so returned to design their outdoor space. All summer they spend a lot of time in their backyard entertaining guests, day and night. But before they had their fully designed outdoor space, whoever was in charge of grilling would feel isolated from everyone else. They needed one cohesive space to prep, mingle, eat and drink, alongside their pool. They did not skimp on a thing – they wanted all the bells and whistles: a big Wolf grill, plenty of weather resistant countertop space for dining (Lapitec - Grigio Cemento, by Eastern Stone), an awning (Durasol Pinnacle II by Gregory Sahagain & Sons, Inc.) that would also keep bright light out of the family room, lights, and an indoor space where they could escape the bugs if needed and even watch TV. The client was thrilled with the outcome - their complete vision for an ideal outdoor entertaining space came to life. Cabinetry is Lynx Professional Storage Line. Refrigerator drawers and sink by Lynx. Faucet is stainless by MGS Nerhas. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane with Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

This client needed a place to entertain by the pool. They had already done their “inside” kitchen with Bilotta and so returned to design their outdoor space. All summer they spend a lot of time in their backyard entertaining guests, day and night. But before they had their fully designed outdoor space, whoever was in charge of grilling would feel isolated from everyone else. They needed one cohesive space to prep, mingle, eat and drink, alongside their pool. They did not skimp on a thing – they wanted all the bells and whistles: a big Wolf grill, plenty of weather resistant countertop space for dining (Lapitec - Grigio Cemento, by Eastern Stone), an awning (Durasol Pinnacle II by Gregory Sahagain & Sons, Inc.) that would also keep bright light out of the family room, lights, and an indoor space where they could escape the bugs if needed and even watch TV. The client was thrilled with the outcome - their complete vision for an ideal outdoor entertaining space came to life. Cabinetry is Lynx Professional Storage Line. Refrigerator drawers and sink by Lynx. Faucet is stainless by MGS Nerhas. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane with Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Nestled in an undeveloped thicket between two homes on Monmouth road, the Eastern corner of this client’s lot plunges ten feet downward into a city-designated stormwater collection ravine. Our client challenged us to design a home, referencing the Scandinavian modern style, that would account for this lot’s unique terrain and vegetation. Through iterative design, we produced four house forms angled to allow rainwater to naturally flow off of the roof and into a gravel-lined runoff area that drains into the ravine. Completely foregoing downspouts and gutters, the chosen design reflects the site’s topography, its mass changing in concert with the slope of the land. This two-story home is oriented around a central stacked staircase that descends into the basement and ascends to a second floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The main entrance—a triangular form subtracted from this home’s rectangular plan—opens to a kitchen and living space anchored with an oversized kitchen island. On the far side of the living space, a solid void form projects towards the backyard, referencing the entryway without mirroring it. Ground floor amenities include a bedroom, full bathroom, laundry area, office and attached garage. Among Architecture Office’s most conceptually rigorous projects, exterior windows are isolated to opportunities where natural light and a connection to the outdoors is desired. The Monmouth home is clad in black corrugated metal, its exposed foundations extending from the earth to highlight its form.

  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

Open kitchen with double oven, farm sink, pendent lighting and white cabinets that are offset by a dark hardwood floor.
Inspiration for a large farmhouse galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island