Contemporary living room with grey furniture, subtle decor items.
Trendy medium tone wood floor living room photo in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

  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

Laura Pate Photography
Inspiration for a transitional master gray tile and white tile white floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Atlanta with a hinged shower door

This master bedroom is a stunning example of interpreting neutrals with a 'twist'. Tonal wall stripes create a simple backdrop, white a pop of 'ginger' orange keeps the room from being anything but bland. The mix of textural items - from nailhead chests - to silky faux bois area rug - and organic rattan lighting pendants (in lieu of traditional lamps) combine to create an especially warm & inviting space.

Example of a transitional staircase design in Austin

Perlick's 15" Signature Series Refrigerated Beauty Drawers are perfect for the storage of natural personal care products, beverages and other items in the master bathroom suite. Energy Star qualified, the drawers feature fully integrated depth to allow a flush fit with surrounding cabinetry. The drawers feature commercial-grade stainless steel interiors, are odor free and accept wood overlays.

Add some class and cleanse the clutter in your bathroom by selecting a coordinated collection of bath furniture with spare sensibility. These two individual bathroom vanities are separated by the tall, free-standing linen cabinet provide each spouse their own divided space to organize their personal bath supplies, while the linen cabinet provides universal storage for items the couple with both uses. This master bathroom features Dura Supreme’s “Style Six” furniture series. This style is designed to create sleek, minimalist appeal. Bookended on both sides and across the top, a set of doors and/or drawers are suspended beneath the countertop. If preferred, a floating shelf can be added (like shown on these two vanities) for additional and attractive storage underneath. Style Six offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), and an optional floating shelf (vanity floor). Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. This white on white transitional styled bathroom showcases a beautiful Chrome framed cabinet door from Dura Supreme, sleek solid surface vanity countertops, polished chrome Kohler faucets, round under-mount sinks, 2 Dura Supreme mirrors that match the vanities, polished chrome hardware, gray painted walls, and classic wood floors. The combination of all of these design elements come together to create one incredible master bath! The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

Modern master bathroom update for coastal style home, including floating tub, double custom vanity and steam shower.
Inspiration for a coastal white tile and ceramic tile double-sink bathroom remodel with quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Upstairs, the bedrooms maintain much of the neutrals found on the first level as well as the natural wood and fabrics. In the master bedroom, a four-poster bed with gunmetal finish and Ralph Lauren fabric dominates the room. Other items were repurposed like the bed’s foot bench, which was originally a narrow table intended to sit behind a sofa. Since the table fit the space requirements, Musso’s team shortened the legs and added a cushion. Carrying the wood theme to the second level, three Moroccan bowls that Musso had purchased on a trip to North Africa in 2011, were altered by the addition of round mirrors and hung on the wall.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist galley utility room design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, quartz backsplash, white walls, a stacked washer/dryer and white countertops

Dressing room - transitional women's carpeted and gray floor dressing room idea in Atlanta with open cabinets and gray cabinets

Photo: Meghan Bob Photo
Freestanding bathtub - large cottage master white tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Los Angeles with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Contemporary master bathroom
Trendy gray tile gray floor bathroom photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Large walk-in master bedroom closet in Latitude South with Latitude North backing. Includes pants rack, hamper, laundry basket. Transitional drawers including jewelry tray with felt bottom. Also tie rack, valet rod, belt bar, and space for both medium and long hanging items. Round closet rods, adjustable shelves, base molding, and modern drawer pulls.

Study room - small eclectic freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor study room idea with white walls and no fireplace

Designed by Lynn Casanova of Closet Works His side offers hanging, shelving space for folded items, and closet accessories such as valet poles.
Inspiration for a large transitional gender-neutral carpeted walk-in closet remodel in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

Designed by Teri Magee of Closet Works This closet included many drawers to keep most of the folded items out of sight.
Walk-in closet - mid-sized transitional gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet idea in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets and distressed cabinets

A collection of studio pottery is arranged among artwork and sculptural items on a custom built-in shelving system. Photo by Claire Esparros.
Large minimalist open concept ceramic tile and gray floor living room photo in New York with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

A teak ceiling creates a sense of unity between the serenity room and wet room. Designer: Debra Owens Photographer: Michael Hunter
Large trendy gray tile and porcelain tile marble floor drop-in bathtub photo in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops