This kitchen is a perfect example of why appliance placement is so important. With the appliances stacked together in the corner of the kitchen, it created a tight and congested work triangle. The new homeowner liked the wide planked wood floor and the color of the existing cabinetry, but the quality needed upgrading. Relocating the refrigerator opened up the kitchen and added much-needed counter and storage space by the sink. The beautiful white kitchen cabinetry surrounds a stunning blue island with a 2-½” thick Blue Flower granite pitched-edge countertop.

Example of a mountain style master beige floor freestanding bathtub design in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Barry Grossman Photography
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Miami

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities. A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen. Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living. With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space. At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering. The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic. The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets. Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space. There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench. It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

Hawkeye Landscape Design We began this project with the idea of making a friendly entryway and social area under the Mulberry tree which provides much needed shade in this hot, mountainous area. The 'red fescue' meadow grass has a cooling effect and the agaves reduce the need for excess water and maintenance. The backyard has a covered dining area with a corner lounge and fireplace. The large barbecue offers a cantilevered counter for entertaining. The waterfall into the pool is surrounded with bamboo and plantings that emulate the hillside beyond the property. The permeable paving and mix of Vitex and Olive trees provide shade for smaller seating areas to enjoy the variety of succulents throughout the garden

The soft green opalescent tile in the shower and on the floor creates a subtle tactile geometry, in harmony with the matte white paint used on the wall and ceiling; semi gloss is used on the trim for additional subtle contrast. The sink has clean simple lines while providing much-needed accessible storage space. A clear frameless shower enclosure allows unobstructed views of the space. The exterior wall has a transom window providing natural light and ventilation.

This primary bathroom got a much needed upgrade! We infused color, texture, and warmth throughout this design. This full renovation included new green shower wall tile and terrazzo wall + floor tile, fresh paint, a custom-built vanity, new vanity countertop, all new brass plumbing fixtures, vanity mirrors and sconce lighting, custom shower glass wall + door, floating shelf, artwork, vintage Turkish rug, and bath accessories.

This laundry sink has a custom wood work surface where the sink can become a flush folding zone, by the simple lift of the center board. The hole serves as both a way to lift the board and as a drain in case the water mistakenly gets turned on. The wall mounted spout on the faucet also swivels out of the way when the area serves as a work space.

This primary bathroom got a much needed upgrade! We infused color, texture, and warmth throughout this design. This full renovation included new green shower wall tile and terrazzo wall + floor tile, fresh paint, a custom-built vanity, new vanity countertop, all new brass plumbing fixtures, vanity mirrors and sconce lighting, custom shower glass wall + door, floating shelf, artwork, vintage Turkish rug, and bath accessories.

Eat-in kitchen - coastal galley dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This early 20th century Poppleton Park home was originally 2548 sq ft. with a small kitchen, nook, powder room and dining room on the first floor. The second floor included a single full bath and 3 bedrooms. The client expressed a need for about 1500 additional square feet added to the basement, first floor and second floor. In order to create a fluid addition that seamlessly attached to this home, we tore down the original one car garage, nook and powder room. The addition was added off the northern portion of the home, which allowed for a side entry garage. Plus, a small addition on the Eastern portion of the home enlarged the kitchen, nook and added an exterior covered porch. Special features of the interior first floor include a beautiful new custom kitchen with island seating, stone countertops, commercial appliances, large nook/gathering with French doors to the covered porch, mud and powder room off of the new four car garage. Most of the 2nd floor was allocated to the master suite. This beautiful new area has views of the park and includes a luxurious master bath with free standing tub and walk-in shower, along with a 2nd floor custom laundry room! Attention to detail on the exterior was essential to keeping the charm and character of the home. The brick façade from the front view was mimicked along the garage elevation. A small copper cap above the garage doors and 6” half-round copper gutters finish the look. KateBenjamin Photography

The sophisticated study adds a touch of moodiness to the home. Our team custom designed the 12' tall built in bookcases and wainscoting to add some much needed architectural detailing to the plain white space and 22' tall walls. A hidden pullout drawer for the printer and additional file storage drawers add function to the home office. The windows are dressed in contrasting velvet drapery panels and simple sophisticated woven window shades. The woven textural element is picked up again in the area rug, the chandelier and the caned guest chairs. The ceiling boasts patterned wallpaper with gold accents. A natural stone and iron desk and a comfortable desk chair complete the space.

A 90 degree, radial, ceiling-mounted track for the shower curtain keeps the space open and light. A vanity cabinet and matching medicine cabinet as well as the wall cabinet and shelf above the toilet provide much-needed storage. Andrea Rugg

Inspiration for a farmhouse black floor entryway remodel in Minneapolis with gray walls and a glass front door

FIRST PLACE 2018 ASID DESIGN OVATION AWARD / MASTER BATH OVER $50,000. In addition to a much-needed update, the clients desired a spa-like environment for their Master Bath. Sea Pearl Quartzite slabs were used on an entire wall and around the vanity and served as this ethereal palette inspiration. Luxuries include a soaking tub, decorative lighting, heated floor, towel warmers and bidet. Michael Hunter

The first floor of this single-family home in Arlington, VA was divided to narrow staircase in front of the front door separating Living room and dining room. Just behind the dining room, was a very small kitchen, a nonfunctioning kitchen space, with a 2' wide window and just behind it an addition of storage room that literally served no purpose for them. They were looking for an updated look with lots of daylight and open first floor plan, plans were drawn up for both wall on sides of steps to be taken down giving openness to both living room and dining room. Three bearing walls separating kitchen and dining room, kitchen and added storage, and kitchen and living room were taken down and new structural support inserted instead. A major amount of plumbing and duct work were relocated allowing open space. The old storage area was converted mudroom, closet space with tile floor, ceiling was raised, side add was added and back windows were installed. Portion old storage space was given to create much added powder room. Cutely decorated with flowered design floor tiles and restored furniture style vanity cabinet. Installed a Double window to allow much needed lighting in the kitchen area. Large Island with prep sink was implemented in center of kitchen and old dining room, a butler area with wine chiller and glass cabinets was install just steps away from new Dining & Living room space. the old wood burning fireplace was converted to gas log with new marble heart. New barn door was installed to allow clear path to adjacent study. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, exotic stone top and subway tiles are added more pizzazz to this comfortable yet welcoming kitchen. she is more than pleased with her decisions and can't wait to throw more parties in her home.

Mike Kaskel Photography
Transitional kitchen photo in Chicago

Virginia MacDonald
Home design - large modern home design idea in Toronto