Clients were wanting to expand their 50's era semi-bungalow to a full two storey so they could add one more bedroom and bathroom to their second level. Part of the plan was to create an actual master suite with proper ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet space. Phase one took the project to drywall stage, but later we added phase two where we finished the rest of the second level to finish stage along with a complete refresh of the main level with new finishings including flooring and counter-tops. The exterior of the home was also re-done including new windows, doors, and siding plus roof shingles of course. The result was a great and expanded character bungalow in a very desirable area located close to downtown.

A small backyard and sloped front yard in the Washington Park area had some unique challenges, especially in terms of creating an inviting space for entertaining and relaxing in the backyard. Retaining walls in the front, complete with young perennials that will quickly grow to create a lush, multi-textured frame around the house, immediately create subtle lines and visual interest in front. The beautifully hardscaped backyard creates outdoor rooms, ideal for entertaining outside and making the most of a limited space. This fresh and new landscape will mature beautifully as the perennials continue to grow! Photo by Bryan Kopp

Photo of a traditional backyard gravel landscaping in Denver.

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Diego Gutierrez
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The Swirls Path Lights and Grande Path Lights create beautiful shadow patterns on the front brick walk. The small sitting area at the far end of the walkway is perfect for enjoying the view, day or night. The landscape lights provide artistic garden sculpture while addressing the practical concern for great lighting! Photos by Lyle Braund, Attraction Lights

Design ideas for a large modern partial sun front yard driveway in Atlanta.

Detached covered patio made of custom milled cypress which is durable and weather-resistant. Amenities include a full outdoor kitchen, masonry wood burning fireplace and porch swing.

Sustainable Garden design on tight suburban lot with new shed as focal point.
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It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

Detail of the stained poplar wood ceiling, stone fireplace and outdoor kitchen. The homeowners selected a custom milled walnut mantle, to add to the charm of the space.

Example of a large minimalist backyard tile patio kitchen design in Orlando with a roof extension

Designed by Laura Maurer
Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio design in Chicago with no cover

  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

Custom fence designed & installed by Dakota Unlimited.
Photo of a small traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Minneapolis.

A rustic chic screen porch added incredibly living space to this home is East Cobb. Come inside and see how this upscale porch offers comfort, style and much more family space.