Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52305850/list/my-houzz-love-letter-to-a-small-midcentury-find

Luxuriate in the soaker tub when you retreat to your spa like master bathroom.
Drop-in bathtub - large modern master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor drop-in bathtub idea in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

  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

James Maidhof Photography
Inspiration for a craftsman master bathroom remodel in Kansas City

Our clients came to us with a desire to completely renovate their master bathroom and enlarge the shower. We were able to double the size of the shower in width by taking space from an adjacent room. By not including a shower door, we were able to maximize the full potential of the space. An off set vanity bowl allowed us to provided four functional drawers for plenty of storage. Using a lighter tile in the shower and the floor we were able to create an interesting contrast in the vanity and granite. The bathroom fixtures in the Venetian Bronze was and excellent finish to this elegant master bathroom. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

Our clients came to us with a desire to completely renovate their master bathroom and enlarge the shower. We were able to double the size of the shower in width by taking space from an adjacent room. By not including a shower door, we were able to maximize the full potential of the space. An off set vanity bowl allowed us to provided four functional drawers for plenty of storage. Using a lighter tile in the shower and the floor we were able to create an interesting contrast in the vanity and granite. The bathroom fixtures in the Venetian Bronze was and excellent finish to this elegant master bathroom. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Mid-sized transitional carpeted and gray floor living room photo in Boston with gray walls

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

Modern exterior home idea in Los Angeles

This Clairemont, San Diego home was once a small, cramped floorplan on a lot with huge potential. Situated on a canyon with gorgeous Mission Bay views, our team took this home down to the studs and built up. Designed to be an open concept ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining, it was important to this client to maximize space and create a welcoming flow to the home. The large living room is situated toward the back of the home and a large La Cantina door system opens up the rear wall bringing the outdoors in. Outside transformed into the ultimate entertaining space with an outdoor kitchen, pool, and large deck to take advantage of the stunning sunsets year-round. The kitchen is functional and fun, featuring a pop of color with the teal kitchen island and plenty of counter space to gather. The first level master bathroom was updated to a bright and modern aesthetic with a huge walk-in shower that featured a custom-designed bench, matte black framing and fixtures, and subtle grey cabinets. Upstairs, bathrooms were done in white and marble, with a large walk-in closet in the second master suite.

A simplistic approach to a master bath allows this client to live in an organized and non cluttered space. The large glass shower and free standing tub are two unique features of the space.

Example of a large country master porcelain tile, black floor, double-sink and wainscoting freestanding bathtub design with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Renovations + Design by Allison Merritt Design, Photography by Ryan Garvin
Front door - coastal porcelain tile and gray floor front door idea in Orange County with gray walls and a blue front door

Large mountain style master gray tile and slate tile slate floor and beige floor freestanding bathtub photo in Charlotte with beige walls and a hinged shower door

Looking at this gorgeous space, one would never know this house was a foreclosure left in an unlivable disarray. The homeowners loved the location and saw the potential in the bones of the structure. Little by little, the space began its transformation, becoming a welcoming everyday master suite complete with oversized walk in shower, soaking tub and design to wow the eye. The powder bath perfectly serves guests (and the small children in the house) and is both functional and pleasing to look at! Design by Chad Hatfield, CR, CRKB. Photography by Versatile Imaging.

Words cannot describe how one feels in this bedroom. Its dreamy, serene, calming, light, bright, airy and pure joy. It has a subtle shimmer and this luxe feeling which really makes you smile. I had to design this bedroom twice and then wait endlessly for the install and delivery and so on so forth… but like they say, alls well that ends well. The oh so famous wallpaper in this shimmering colorway is genius. It takes a specialised eye to see potential and this became our starting point. Bed fabric, nightstands, lighting and beddging all followed this big feature moment. The wallpaper made such a huge difference. We shot the room in the day, but it plays with light at night and changes and is kind of magical. Custom bed in such a unique frame upholstered in an ivory velvet is the perfect pair while the shagreen nightands create a constrast. The beautiful bedding from Frette completes the room.

Pristine and impeccably maintained wide 17.75’ single family, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath brownstone on uptown Park Avenue with large professionally landscaped backyard. Stunning kitchen renovation with large rear window, Scavolini cabinets, SubZero refrigerator, Miele ovens and Bosch dishwasher with separate pantry and bar; powder room and rear door for easy access to yard. Elegant double parlor with potential 4th bedroom/master suite. Master bedroom with custom walk-in closet. Finished basement with family room and storage. Renovated bathrooms. Beautiful period details throughout; 5 mantles, original kitchen stove, stained glass skylight, ceiling medallions, pocket doors and exposed brick. Central air, gas/radiators, Pella windows with Hunter Douglas shades, laundry, hardwood floors throughout, all on uptown Park Avenue’s loveliest block.

Our clients never felt their summer home had reached its full potential. After our initial walk through, we could see they were right. Beautiful water views gave us our color palette right from the start. We let the beach hues dictate this design. Soft blues, grays, whites and neutrals marry perfectly with open spaces of his home, Each piece of furniture chosen with high style and ultimate comfort in mind, This home has officially arrived!

Walk in closet design ideas. Windows in the closet. Built in storage for a walk in closet.
Example of a huge classic gender-neutral carpeted walk-in closet design in Raleigh with open cabinets and white cabinets