Search results for "Larger task" in Home Design Ideas

Homeowners in Richfield came to Castle looking to update their 1956 Kitchen in their ranch style home. The goal was to keep the same U-Shaped footprint of the kitchen while maximizing the cabinet layout configuration. The overall transformation is stunning.
One major adjustment was installing the upper cabinets to the ceiling. This draws your eyes up and gives the room a larger feel with the added storage that was previously nonexistent. The java color stained Crystal Cabinets are balanced with clean polished nickel hardware.
Another part of the project that was important to the homeowners was lighting. The existing configuration was dark, with very little over head light or task lighting. With adding in disc LED light fixtures in the ceiling, decorative pendant and wall sconce lighting over the sink, the space now is light and bright even with selecting darker finishes.
To top off this project, Designer Tracy O’Donnell curated a gorgeous tile feature above the farmhouse sink. The picture framed Carrara marble herringbone mosaic tile features natural colors that play off the countertop and warmth of the cabinets beautifully. Overall, the homeowners couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out!

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

A tall pantry cabinet adds full-height storage beside the cooking area in this Scarborough kitchen.
Light wood-look doors, gold-tone pulls and overhead cabinetry form a coordinated storage wall beside the range, pale backsplash and task lighting. Part of Cedarstone Group Inc.’s 2024 whole-home renovation and second-storey addition in Scarborough, Toronto.
This custom kitchen is part of a complete main-floor renovation and whole-home remodel. Coordinated kitchen cabinetry, carefully planned storage and continuous work surfaces support the layout of the renovated home. For homeowners researching a kitchen renovation in Scarborough or a custom kitchen remodel in Toronto, this project shows how cabinet design, appliance placement and interior finishing can be developed together within a larger home transformation.
Explore this project and Cedarstone Group Inc.’s renovation work at cedarstonereno.com.
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When these Canton, MA homeowners desired to upgrade their childrens’ bathroom, they were referred to Renovisions who were grateful to accept the task. The clients were unhappy with the existing cramped floor plan, lack of storage, old and drafty windows, outdated fixtures and overall lackluster aesthetic.
Renovisions designed the new room to not only meet the client’s goals, but exceeded them abundantly. Mobility in the space was limited due to the door swing into the room. Renovisions recommended replacing the currenmt door with a pocket door in an arch-top beaded design to match the nearby bedroom doors, while also upgrading the hallway linen closet with new shelving and same styled door.
Renovisions also increased the layout by borrowing space from the adjacent dining room. There is now more room for the handsome, quartered-mahogany wall-hung vanity with linen tower.
Since the homeowners requested a contemporary look, the design team focused on choosing more modern products including a soaking tub, minimalistic square designed shower heads, tub filler, single lever faucet and a large rectangular sink. The white quartz countertop with wide veining and waterfall edge, along with the striking larger format subway tile finished with square edge chrome profiles contribute to the clean aethetic and modern appeal.
From the sleek porcelain plank floor tile, new double-mulled Marvin casement windows and recessed lighting that provides just the right amount of light, the end result: a one-of-a-kind bathroom, a unique and modern ‘Revitalized Room’.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

When these Canton, MA homeowners desired to upgrade their childrens’ bathroom, they were referred to Renovisions who were grateful to accept the task. The clients were unhappy with the existing cramped floor plan, lack of storage, old and drafty windows, outdated fixtures and overall lackluster aesthetic.
Renovisions designed the new room to not only meet the client’s goals, but exceeded them abundantly. Mobility in the space was limited due to the door swing into the room. Renovisions recommended replacing the currenmt door with a pocket door in an arch-top beaded design to match the nearby bedroom doors, while also upgrading the hallway linen closet with new shelving and same styled door.
Renovisions also increased the layout by borrowing space from the adjacent dining room. There is now more room for the handsome, quartered-mahogany wall-hung vanity with linen tower.
Since the homeowners requested a contemporary look, the design team focused on choosing more modern products including a soaking tub, minimalistic square designed shower heads, tub filler, single lever faucet and a large rectangular sink. The white quartz countertop with wide veining and waterfall edge, along with the striking larger format subway tile finished with square edge chrome profiles contribute to the clean aethetic and modern appeal.
From the sleek porcelain plank floor tile, new double-mulled Marvin casement windows and recessed lighting that provides just the right amount of light, the end result: a one-of-a-kind bathroom, a unique and modern ‘Revitalized Room’.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement.
The big kitchen island allows for helpers in the kitchen as well as seating for five! We placed the refrigerator outside of the main cooking area for easy access by the kids. A layered light plan includes natural light from windows and French doors, overhead recessed lights, and pendant lighting for special tasks.
In the living room we converted a window seat into a small alcove to accommodate more comfortable seating for TV viewing. The new dining room fits a table and seating for eight. We also updated the mudroom to a locker room with space for each family member.
In the basement we created two new bedrooms for the oldest daughters and updated the bathroom. The new space is like a home of its own where the girls can entertain friends and hangout.
On the second level, we created a larger bathroom for the kids to share. One wall is dedicated to built-in storage cabinets to house all their towels, toiletries and laundry hampers.

Jay Eiler, Assoc. IIDA, Allied ASID at Castle Design, was tasked with redoing this master bath in a beautiful Ladue home. Initially, the space was small for a master bath and was dated.
“In the end, we decided to stay with the existing footprint, but we wanted to maximize the space and have a clean look,” Eiler says.
The result was a sophisticated, modern space with outdoor elements. Eiler took the marble flooring up into the shower, giving the illusion of a larger space. He also incorporated a window at the top of the shower to bring in light from the skylight.
The custom-made vanity was crafted from stained walnut. It is made up of two tiers floating on the wall, with additional storage deep enough to hold towels.
Lighting was important to making the small space work, so a large but elegant electric mirror with an intricate Artistic Tile backsplash was the perfect solution. LED lighting strips under the vanity illuminate the floor without taking up additional space, and natural light is aplenty during the day. All fixtures came from Immerse, here in St. Louis.
“The idea was to give this space an organic quality,” Eiler says. “The client wanted to bring outdoor elements, so we worked with the marble and warm tones of the vanity.”
Dempsey Project by Castle Design

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit.
Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable.
The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside.
Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune.
The clients' needs and desires were:
➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups
➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas
➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework
➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme
➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage
➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave
➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook
Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by:
➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion
➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage.
➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners.
➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals.
The project is enhanced functionally by:
➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island
➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table.
➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers
➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen
➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room.
➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage.
➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware.
➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards.
The project is enhanced aesthetically by:
➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling
➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven
➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island
➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches
➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors.
➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space.
➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches.
Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC:
➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band.
➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging.
➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash.
Design obstacles to overcome:
➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel.
➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits
➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components.
Evidence of superior craftsmanship:
➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal
➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen
➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look
➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space
➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Jay Eiler, Assoc. IIDA, Allied ASID at Castle Design, was tasked with redoing this master bath in a beautiful Ladue home. Initially, the space was small for a master bath and was dated. “In the end, we decided to stay with the existing footprint, but we wanted to maximize the space and have a clean look,” Eiler says. The result was a sophisticated, modern space with outdoor elements. Eiler took the marble flooring up into the shower, giving the illusion of a larger space. He also incorporated a window at the top of the shower to bring in light from the skylight. The custom-made vanity was crafted from stained walnut. It is made up of two tiers floating on the wall, with additional storage deep enough to hold towels. Lighting was important to making the small space work, so a large but elegant electric mirror with an intricate Artistic Tile backsplash was the perfect solution. LED lighting strips under the vanity illuminate the floor without taking up additional space, and natural light is aplenty during the day. All fixtures came from Immerse, here in St. Louis. “The idea was to give this space an organic quality, The client wanted to bring outdoor elements, so we worked with the marble and warm tones of the vanity.”

A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.
To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

This client approached us to help her redesign her kitchen. It turned out to be a redesign of their spacious kitchen, informal dining, wet bar, work desk & pantry. Our design started with the clean-up of some intrusive structure. We were able to replace a dropped beam and post with a larger flush beam and removed and intrusively placed post. This simple structural change opened up more design opportunities and helped the areas flow easily between one another.
Special attention was applied to the show stopping stained gray kitchen island which became the focal point of the kitchen. The previous L-shaped was lined with columns and arches visually closing itself and its users off from the living and dining areas nearby. The owner was able to source a beautiful one piece slab of honed Vermont white danby marble for the island. This spacious island provides generous seating for 4-5 people and plenty of space for cooking prep and clean up. After removing the arches from the island area we did not want to clutter up the space, so two lantern fixtures from Circa lighting were selected to add an eye attracting detail as well as task lighting.
The island isn’t the only pageant winner in this kitchen, the range wall has plenty to look at with the Wolf cook top, the custom vent hood, by Modern-Aire, and classic Carrera marble subway tile back splash and the perimeter counter top of honed absolute black granite.
Phoography: Tina Colebrook

Jay Eiler, Assoc. IIDA, Allied ASID at Castle Design, was tasked with redoing this master bath in a beautiful Ladue home. Initially, the space was small for a master bath and was dated.
“In the end, we decided to stay with the existing footprint, but we wanted to maximize the space and have a clean look,” Eiler says.
The result was a sophisticated, modern space with outdoor elements. Eiler took the marble flooring up into the shower, giving the illusion of a larger space. He also incorporated a window at the top of the shower to bring in light from the skylight.
The custom-made vanity was crafted from stained walnut. It is made up of two tiers floating on the wall, with additional storage deep enough to hold towels.
Lighting was important to making the small space work, so a large but elegant electric mirror with an intricate Artistic Tile backsplash was the perfect solution. LED lighting strips under the vanity illuminate the floor without taking up additional space, and natural light is aplenty during the day. All fixtures came from Immerse, here in St. Louis.
“The idea was to give this space an organic quality,” Eiler says. “The client wanted to bring outdoor elements, so we worked with the marble and warm tones of the vanity.”
Dempsey Project by Castle Design

This project is a Houzz Kitchen of the Week! Click below to read the full story!
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116547325/list/kitchen-of-the-week-better-brighter-and-no-longer-basic
Our clients came to us wanting an elegant and functional kitchen and brighter living room. Their kitchen was dark and inefficient. The cabinets felt cluttered and the storage was there, but not functional for this family. They wanted all new finishes; especially new cabinets, but the floors were going to stay and be refinished. No wall relocation was needed but adding a door into the dining room to block the view from the front into the kitchen was discussed. They wanted to bring in more light somehow and preferably natural light. There was an unused sink in the butler’s pantry that they wanted capped, giving them more space and organized storage was a must! In their living room, they love their fireplace because it reminds her of her home in Colorado, so that definitely had to stay but everything else was left to the designers.
After all decisions were made, this gorgeous kitchen and living space came to life! It is bright, open and airy, just like our clients wanted. Soft White Shiloh cabinetry was installed with a contrasting Cocoa island. Honed Levantina Taj Mahal quartzite was a beautiful countertop for this space. Bedrosians Grace 4”x 12” wall tile in Panna was the backsplash throughout the kitchen. The stove wall is flanked with dark wooden shelves on either side of vent-a-hood creating a feature area to the cook area. A beautiful maple barn door with seeded baroque tempered glass inserts was installed to close off the pantry and giving them more room than a traditional door. The original wainscoting remained in the kitchen and living areas but was modified in the kitchen where the cabinets were slightly extended and painted white throughout. LED tape lighting was installed under the cabinets, LED lighting was also added to the top of the upper glass cabinets, in addition to the grow lights installed for their herbs. All of the light fixtures were updated to a timeless classic look and feel. Imbrie articulating wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window/sink and in the butler’s pantry and aged brass Hood classic globe pendants were hung over the island, really drawing your attention to the kitchen. The Alturas fixture from SeaGull Lighing now hangs in the center of the living room, where there was once an outdated ceiling fan. In the living room, the walls were painted white, while leaving the wood and stone fireplace, as requested, leaving an absolutely amazing contrast!
Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging
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