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

A micro-addition and new layout turns 1980’s cramped kitchen into bright, light-filled collaborative kitchen space. The cramped, isolated kitchen in this 1980’s era home did not fit our clients’ lifestyle nor take advantage of the beautiful views of the nearby pond and woods. They longed for a functional yet fabulous space to support collaborative cooking and family gatherings. A micro-addition facilitated a new layout that both opened to and enlivened their existing living and dining spaces. A bold tri-color palette along with pro-level appliances and impeccable finish detailing gives them everything they desired and more.

The 1979 contemporary home sits on a terraced hillside above the Bay. The renovation opened formerly isolated rooms to that view, the natural light, and the surroundings.

This 1,400 sq. ft. studio, built in 2018 for Grammy Award–winning drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Adam Box, was one of the earliest full-scale NILES design–build projects. After years of session and touring work, Adam had a clear vision for his own creative home—a space that combined comfort, vibe, and technical precision. Our team partnered closely with him through every phase of the design and build process to bring that vision to life. The studio features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, two amp isolation booths, and a large dedicated ISO booth engineered specifically for dry drum capture. Each room is fully wired for a complete live-tracking environment, enabling an entire band to plug in and record seamlessly. The Live Room is sonically open and collaborative, while the Control Room is fine-tuned for long stretches of creative focus and accurate monitoring. Aesthetic direction played a major role in this project. Natural stonework, warm wood details, and a comfortable, lived-in feel create a distinctive character throughout the space. Adam added many of his own finishing touches, giving the studio an unmistakable personal identity that reflects his style and musical approach. The result is a studio that delivers both atmosphere and performance—an inspiring hub for writing, tracking, mixing, and producing at the highest level.

This kitchen design blends traditional elegance with contemporary functionality. It features rich dark green cabinetry that creates a sophisticated focal point while complementing the crisp checkered gray-and-white checkered pattern marble tile flooring. The space showcases perfect balance with a minimalist conical pendant light above the central island, natural light flooding through the glass panelled windows and door, and elegant architectural details including an arched doorway opening to the adjacent living room and dining room to provide only a hint of separation without complete isolation.

This 1,400 sq. ft. studio, built in 2018 for Grammy Award–winning drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Adam Box, was one of the earliest full-scale NILES design–build projects. After years of session and touring work, Adam had a clear vision for his own creative home—a space that combined comfort, vibe, and technical precision. Our team partnered closely with him through every phase of the design and build process to bring that vision to life. The studio features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, two amp isolation booths, and a large dedicated ISO booth engineered specifically for dry drum capture. Each room is fully wired for a complete live-tracking environment, enabling an entire band to plug in and record seamlessly. The Live Room is sonically open and collaborative, while the Control Room is fine-tuned for long stretches of creative focus and accurate monitoring. Aesthetic direction played a major role in this project. Natural stonework, warm wood details, and a comfortable, lived-in feel create a distinctive character throughout the space. Adam added many of his own finishing touches, giving the studio an unmistakable personal identity that reflects his style and musical approach. The result is a studio that delivers both atmosphere and performance—an inspiring hub for writing, tracking, mixing, and producing at the highest level.

Example of an island style open concept living room design in Other with beige walls, a wood stove and no tv

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Inspiration for a transitional pool remodel in Austin

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

The large Kitchen design blends with the Living area to feel more like a gathering area than an isolated work area.
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary galley medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen idea in Nashville with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, black backsplash, wood backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

SDH Studio - Architecture and Design Location: Golden Beach, Florida, USA Set on a unique corner lot overlooking the water in Golden Beach this home was designed as a sequence of experiences that frame the beautiful views and lead to a seamless transition between interior and exterior architecture.

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo by Gillean Proctor
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Vancouver