Search results for "Major focus" in Home Design Ideas

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

This French country traditional home got a colorful update with a major focus on consistency. The main living area walls were painted with a pale yellow that accented fresh colors in upholstery and furnishings. The guest suite went from a painting studio to a luxe oasis with deep navy charcoal paint and prints to tie in our client’s furnishings. Finally, one of our favorite transformations in this space, we took the old guest room and turned it into a craft room, artist library, and office space.
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With a bedroom that’s on the small side—not much extra space for art or accent furniture—we kept the focus squarely on the bed, making it extra-luscious with bedding that looks a foot deep.
Photo by Laura Resen

This French country traditional home got a colorful update with a major focus on consistency. The main living area walls were painted with a pale yellow that accented fresh colors in upholstery and furnishings. The guest suite went from a painting studio to a luxe oasis with deep navy charcoal paint and prints to tie in our client’s furnishings. Finally, one of our favorite transformations in this space, we took the old guest room and turned it into a craft room, artist library, and office space.

This French country traditional home got a colorful update with a major focus on consistency. The main living area walls were painted with a pale yellow that accented fresh colors in upholstery and furnishings. The guest suite went from a painting studio to a luxe oasis with deep navy charcoal paint and prints to tie in our client’s furnishings. Finally, one of our favorite transformations in this space, we took the old guest room and turned it into a craft room, artist library, and office space.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity.
The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions.
A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework.
The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old.
The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance.
While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance.
A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design.
Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment.
The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home.
Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition.
The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions.
The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns.
Overview:
Elm Grove
Size:
2,800 sf,
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Completion Date:
September 2014
Services:
Architecture, Landscape Architecture
Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Taking a French inspired approach towards the design, the incorporation of hand carved details throughout the space was a major focus. Stained in a light patina tone, these details are highlighted even more by the entry of natural light. Underscoring the true craftsmanship of our artisans in each piece and element of the kitchen space. From the superior crown to the lower molding details, the quality and attention to detail is second to none.
For more projects visit our website wlkitchenandhome.com
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#kitchendesigner #mansionkitchen #luxurykitchens #classickitchen #traditionalkitchen #frenchkitchen #kitchenhood #kitchenisland #elegantkitchen #dreamkitchen #woodworker #woodcarving #kitchendecoration #luxuryhome #kitchensofinstagram #diningroom #pantry #ovencabinet #kitchencabinets #cofferedceilings #newjerseykitchens #nyckitchens #carpentry #opulentkitchens #victoriankitchen #newjerseyarchitect #nyarchitect #millionairekitchen #homeinteriorsdesigner

Taking a French inspired approach towards the design, the incorporation of hand carved details throughout the space was a major focus. Stained in a light patina tone, these details are highlighted even more by the entry of natural light. Underscoring the true craftsmanship of our artisans in each piece and element of the kitchen space. From the superior crown to the lower molding details, the quality and attention to detail is second to none.
For more projects visit our website wlkitchenandhome.com
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.
#kitchendesigner #mansionkitchen #luxurykitchens #classickitchen #traditionalkitchen #frenchkitchen #kitchenhood #kitchenisland #elegantkitchen #dreamkitchen #woodworker #woodcarving #kitchendecoration #luxuryhome #kitchensofinstagram #diningroom #pantry #ovencabinet #kitchencabinets #cofferedceilings #newjerseykitchens #nyckitchens #carpentry #opulentkitchens #victoriankitchen #newjerseyarchitect #nyarchitect #millionairekitchen #homeinteriorsdesigner

Taking a French inspired approach towards the design, the incorporation of hand carved details throughout the space was a major focus. Stained in a light patina tone, these details are highlighted even more by the entry of natural light. Underscoring the true craftsmanship of our artisans in each piece and element of the kitchen space. From the superior crown to the lower molding details, the quality and attention to detail is second to none.
For more projects visit our website wlkitchenandhome.com
.
.
.
#kitchendesigner #mansionkitchen #luxurykitchens #classickitchen #traditionalkitchen #frenchkitchen #kitchenhood #kitchenisland #elegantkitchen #dreamkitchen #woodworker #woodcarving #kitchendecoration #luxuryhome #kitchensofinstagram #diningroom #pantry #ovencabinet #kitchencabinets #cofferedceilings #newjerseykitchens #nyckitchens #carpentry #opulentkitchens #victoriankitchen #newjerseyarchitect #nyarchitect #millionairekitchen #homeinteriorsdesigner

This French country traditional home got a colorful update with a major focus on consistency. The main living area walls were painted with a pale yellow that accented fresh colors in upholstery and furnishings. The guest suite went from a painting studio to a luxe oasis with deep navy charcoal paint and prints to tie in our client’s furnishings. Finally, one of our favorite transformations in this space, we took the old guest room and turned it into a craft room, artist library, and office space.

This French country traditional home got a colorful update with a major focus on consistency. The main living area walls were painted with a pale yellow that accented fresh colors in upholstery and furnishings. The guest suite went from a painting studio to a luxe oasis with deep navy charcoal paint and prints to tie in our client’s furnishings. Finally, one of our favorite transformations in this space, we took the old guest room and turned it into a craft room, artist library, and office space.

The Setup
For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners wanted to transform their large, T-shaped bathroom into a functional, multi-purpose sanctuary. The existing layout was inefficient, with a bulky built-in tub, a closed-off shower, and an awkward footprint that limited practical use.
This remodel also presented a unique challenge – the homeowners wanted to use the space for workouts as well. The design needed to maximize the large open area in the middle of the T, providing enough room for yoga and light free-weight exercises while maintaining the bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality.
Design objectives:
Expand and brighten the shower area without major layout changes
Replace the oversized built-in tub with a sleek freestanding alternative
Create a flexible space for workouts while maintaining the bathroom’s design integrity
Address cold flooring with added comfort solutions
Enhance lighting for both beauty and functionality
Incorporate storage for workout equipment and everyday essentials
Integrate natural elements to accommodate the homeowners’ love of plants
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
Shower Expansion – The homeowners want a more open, spa-like shower but don’t want to dramatically alter the footprint.
Workout Integration – Balancing fitness functionality with a serene bathroom design will require creative layout adjustments.
Storage Solutions – With workout gear to stow away, the space needs discrete and versatile storage options.
Lighting – Enhancing both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the large space.
Cold Floors – Positioned above the garage, the bathroom tends to feel colder than the adjacent primary bedroom. A solution is needed to add warmth and comfort during use, without the need to reconfigure the home’s overall heating system.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Spa-Like Shower Expansion – Removing a wall and replacing it with glass transformed the shower into an open, airy retreat, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. A curved black river rock floor and neutral linear wall tiles add warmth and texture, while carefully placed niche lighting enhances the tranquil, luxurious atmosphere.
Workout-Friendly Layout – A custom full-length mirror was strategically placed to accommodate multiple uses, creating a fitness studio-like experience for yoga or light weight training. The mirror’s size and positioning allow for clear visibility during workouts, while also enhancing the room by adding light and a greater sense of depth.
Custom Storage Solutions – A custom cabinet with a wood top was crafted to discreetly store workout equipment, preserving the clean, open feel of the space. Its design not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of symmetry, bringing visual balance and cohesion to the overall layout.
Enhanced Lighting – Replacing the shower wall with glass, installing a full-length mirror, and incorporating vanity mirrors with built-in lighting dramatically brighten the space. LED strip lighting under the cabinets, along the tub half wall, and in both the side and shower niches adds layered illumination, enhancing both function and ambiance.
Heated Floors – Installing heated flooring provides consistent warmth and comfort year-round, enhancing the space for both workouts and daily routines. A European-style towel warmer brings additional warmth and a touch of luxury, elevating the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
This transformed bathroom blends luxury with intentional design. By addressing the homeowners’ needs – from workout flexibility to spa-inspired details – the space now serves multiple purposes without compromise. The warm cabinetry, black accents and thoughtful lighting tie the design together, while the curved textures and plant-friendly ledge add a personalized touch. This bathroom is now a bright, welcoming sanctuary for daily routines and mindful moments.

Coastal Farmhouse New Construction Home | Jupiter Farms, FL
This custom new construction home in Jupiter Farms was designed to balance timeless craftsmanship with relaxed coastal farmhouse living. While the project included custom cabinetry and design detailing throughout the entire home, the kitchen and great room became standout focal points that showcase the warmth, scale, and architectural character carried throughout the residence.
The homeowners envisioned a bright and welcoming home that felt elevated yet comfortable — combining handcrafted traditional details with clean modern functionality. To achieve this, the home features handcrafted Amish-built inset cabinetry with a beaded inset shaker profile, carefully designed to create a furniture-quality appearance throughout the main living spaces.
The kitchen perimeter cabinetry was finished in Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa, a soft warm white that complements the home’s natural light and expansive vaulted ceilings. A contrasting flat cut white oak island introduces warmth and organic texture, grounding the space while reinforcing the home’s coastal farmhouse aesthetic.
The oversized island was designed as the heart of the home — serving as a gathering space for entertaining, family meals, and everyday living. Extensive custom storage solutions were integrated throughout the kitchen, including double-stacked upper cabinetry with glass display sections, hidden trash pull-outs, integrated refrigerator panels, pocket doors at the coffee station, roll-out pantry trays, and abundant custom drawer storage.
Architectural detailing was a major focus throughout the project. Layered crown molding, decorative furniture base molding, inset construction, integrated lighting, and custom wood detailing create depth and craftsmanship that feel both timeless and highly tailored. Vertical integrated LED lighting within the pantries and coffee bar was incorporated to enhance functionality while adding warmth and dimension to the cabinetry.
The adjacent great room carries the same design language with custom built-ins painted to match the kitchen perimeter cabinetry and floating white oak shelves coordinated to the island finish. Integrated LED shelf lighting and vertical panel detailing create a warm architectural focal point while maintaining the clean, airy atmosphere of the home.
Natural wood tones, soft whites, woven statement lighting, and layered textures throughout the residence create a refined yet approachable environment that perfectly suits the relaxed Jupiter Farms lifestyle. The result is a cohesive custom home that feels elegant, timeless, and deeply livable.
Features include:
Custom new construction home cabinetry
Handcrafted Amish-built inset cabinetry
Beaded inset shaker doors
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa cabinetry finish
Flat cut white oak island cabinetry
Furniture-style cabinetry detailing
Double-stacked upper cabinets
Glass display cabinetry
Pocket door coffee station
Roll-out pantry storage
Integrated refrigerator panels
Large custom quartz island
Decorative range hood
Vertical integrated LED lighting
Custom great room built-ins
Floating white oak shelves
Vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings
Coastal farmhouse design aesthetic
Warm brass hardware and fixtures
Whole-home custom cabinetry design
Jupiter Farms custom home
Designed by Dwelloquent | Kitchen & Bath Design + Custom Cabinetry | Florida Treasure Coast & Remote Design Services

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen.
The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style.
Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look.
The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance.
The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals.
Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.”
The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished.
The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Taking a French inspired approach towards the design, the incorporation of hand carved details throughout the space was a major focus. Stained in a light patina tone, these details are highlighted even more by the entry of natural light. Underscoring the true craftsmanship of our artisans in each piece and element of the kitchen space. From the superior crown to the lower molding details, the quality and attention to detail is second to none.
For more projects visit our website wlkitchenandhome.com
.
.
.
#kitchendesigner #mansionkitchen #luxurykitchens #classickitchen #traditionalkitchen #frenchkitchen #kitchenhood #kitchenisland #elegantkitchen #dreamkitchen #woodworker #woodcarving #kitchendecoration #luxuryhome #kitchensofinstagram #diningroom #pantry #ovencabinet #kitchencabinets #cofferedceilings #newjerseykitchens #nyckitchens #carpentry #opulentkitchens #victoriankitchen #newjerseyarchitect #nyarchitect #millionairekitchen #homeinteriorsdesigner

Located in Silverleaf's beautiful Horseshoe Canyon, this 7,700 square foot Ranch Hacienda serves as a vehicle for outdoor space.
The owners' desire for "classically traditional" with a lighter, brighter, and airier flavor than the neighborhood's popular, heavier Tuscan fare found expression in exterior materials and detailing that is simple in nature. The Nate Berkus-designed interiors complete the material and color palette with warm restraint.
The home, designed for a family with an extreme focus on outdoor living and sports, includes a basement equipped with a home gym, batting cage, and steam room. Outdoor facilities include a sport court and putting green. Additional features of the home include a motor court with dual garages, separate guest quarters, and a walk-in cooler.
The clients, receptive to the architect's exploration of multi-use spaces reflecting modern life, gained a laundry room which functions more as a home command station for a highly engaged mother than a place for chores. The multi-use room includes a washer and dryer, wrapping station, project area, winter storage, and her office. Additionally, it's connected to the outdoors, features a beautiful view, and is bathed in abundant natural light.
Project Details | Silverleaf - Horseshoe Canyon, Scottsdale, AZ
Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, DrewettWorks, Scottsdale, AZ
Interiors: Nate Berkus, Nate Berkus Interior Design, Chicago, IL
Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Bauhaus Photography, Scottsdale, AZ

"We have remodeled our kitchen previously with Taylor Pro, and we were so delighted we booked Kerry again to do our bathroom. Most major remodels are a few weeks of construction h***, and this was no exception, but Kerry kept the focus on the schedule and the results. The project was planned for 6 weeks and all work (except punch list) was completed in 7. The result is wonderful! We are delighted with the beauty and functionality of our bathrooms, and we receive complements from our friends. When I showed construction photos to friends at work, some who knew the business praised our constructor and his subs, saying the work was done right and he knows his stuff.
Description of work:
Major remodel of master bathroom. Changed floor plan, moving fixtures to other side. Removed 3 doors (!) from old bathroom and added one door, turning a shared mess into a high end master bath. Added a powder room."
~ Mary Ann H, Client
Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor
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