In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Connie Anderson Photography David James Custom Builder
Transitional yellow brick exterior home idea in Houston

We took a small non-defined space and created an enjoyable backyard integrating an existing flagstone patio with a new lower flagstone patio, complete with new stucco retaining walls, raised planters, fire bowls and fire table. The main focal point of the patio is the new water feature, a series of basalt towers sitting on a bed of black Mexican beach pebbles. The landscaping & outdoor lighting complete the package. Small yard with a million dollar view of the golf course and Lake Manassas in the background.

Our homeowners wanted to improve their kitchen layout at their lake house and wanted an open, functional flow with increased storage, lighting and trending styles. We removed a non-bearing wall between kitchen and great room and created an area for a large island. These changes brought in their thirst for abundant, natural light and solved the bottleneck that occurred in the old space when the refrigerator was in use. The new layout provides ample storage space and open stations for friends and family to gather while entertaining. Updating the kitchen and living space enhances the function of the home.We converted existing outdated materials to be more attractive and functional: lighting, cabinetry, flooring, and tiled surfaces. We found ways to provide innovative materials for our homeowners’ selections by maintaining the use of the existing knotty pine beams, ceiling and posts and working with the existing ‘cottage feel’ while updating fixtures, finishes and flow through the space. Warm design elements are evident through use of copper accents like the hood, faucets, sink and cabinet pulls.

Scott Amundson Photography
Transitional living room photo in Minneapolis

This luxurious kitchen remodel by our Lafayette studio is a masterpiece of modern design. The beautiful and functional space boasts sleek and stylish custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and luxurious finishes. The island provides ample space for meal prep and entertaining. We also added plenty of storage space to optimize functionality. With its luxurious blend of form and function, this kitchen is a fabulous place for cooking and entertaining.

Our client was in search of a space where she could relax, read, and meditate. She chose a non-tradtional approach and decided to transform her existing backyard shed into a space that she could call her own. With her artistic flare in mind, we built a living area complete with vaulted ceilings, shelving, painted floors, faux fireplace mantle, and lighting. Her eclectic decor is cozy, calming and very much feminine- which is exactly was she had in mind.

Transforming this small bathroom into a wheelchair accessible retreat was no easy task. Incorporating unattractive grab bars and making them look seamless was the goal. A floating vanity / countertop allows for roll up accessibility and the live edge of the granite countertops make if feel luxurious. Double sinks for his and hers sides plus medicine cabinet storage helped for this minimal feel of neutrals and breathability. The barn door opens for wheelchair movement but can be closed for the perfect amount of privacy.

This renovation/addition transformed a non-descript raised-ranch into a unique island home, better suited to its Vineyard Haven neighborhood on Martha’s Vineyard. A cantilevered bay over the garage draws attention away from the existing front garage doors, while a dormered addition off to the side beckons visitors to the reconfigured entrance. Other small, discreetly placed additions make room for a new stair hall, mudroom, and new full bathroom, while also enlarging the living room, three bedrooms, and the master bath. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the Vineyard Haven Raised-Ranch Renovation. Interior finishes by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

This bedroom in the "South Wing" was my clients' office, where the two of them tried to work in amongst camera equipment, flat file drawer, 2 desks, etc. and an 8' high wall [ceiling is 10' high]. Not only was the room dark and not very private but one whole wall was not available for artwork due to a sliding barn door. Their existing bedroom [which is now the den] was much larger so after some measuring, I suggested that we switch the 2 rooms... The new bed is from Bon Tempi, a Moooi Non-random pendant and Artemide reading sconces. Read my article to see before and after photos : http://yvonnepotter.blogspot.ca/2016/02/y-design-loop-closets-doubled-and.html Photo : David Taylor Photo Studio

"The Kidney Corner". Dead corners become non existent with this skillful solution. Photo Credit: Alona Roni
Example of a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped home design design in New York with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Dan Farmer, Seattle Home Tours
Example of a classic kitchen design in Seattle

Tria Giovan
Example of a transitional single-wall dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Jacksonville with blue cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black appliances and no island

Our client was in search of a space where she could relax, read, and meditate. She chose a non-tradtional approach and decided to transform her existing backyard shed into a space that she could call her own. With her artistic flare in mind, we built a living area complete with vaulted ceilings, shelving, painted floors, faux fireplace mantle, and lighting. Her eclectic decor is cozy, calming and very much feminine- which is exactly was she had in mind.

This 80 year old farm house was in need of an update. The kitchen and dining areas were cramped, dark and isolated from one another. The homeowner requested an open floor plan with more storage and space where her children could play while she was busy in the kitchen. Thompson Remodeling flipped the existing positions of the dining room and kitchen and removed walls to open up the space. The new kitchen has bright white cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a butcher block counter. A custom banquette provides seating and a spot for the kids to play and do homework while its bench doubles as hidden storage. The wet bar in the dining space has loads of pantry space. The existing floors were very uneven, so we used a vinyl plank flooring that would allow more give for installation. It looks just like weathered pine and will offer very easy care for the busy family.

Example of a classic staircase design in Cincinnati

Preliminary architecture renderings were given to Obelisk Home with a challenge. The homeowners needed us to create an unusual but family friendly home, but also a home-based business functioning environment. Working with the architect, modifications were made to incorporate the desired functions for the family. Starting with the exterior, including landscape design, stone, brick and window selections a one-of-a-kind home was created. Every detail of the interior was created with the homeowner and the Obelisk Home design team. Furnishings, art, accessories, and lighting were provided through Obelisk Home. We were challenged to incorporate existing furniture. So the team repurposed, re-finished and worked these items into the new plan. Custom paint colors and upholstery were purposely blended to add cohesion. Custom light fixtures were designed and manufactured for the main living areas giving the entire home a unique and personal feel. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

The existing cedar ceiling was re-finished. Beams and boards divide up the ceiling to add detail and interest. The beams run into custom brackets with black metal detailing that reflect the slope of the ceiling on the sides of the room. The existing fireplace was re-finished with non-grouted vineyard granite ashlar and a new oak mantel. Custom cabinets were built on both sides of the fireplace to provide storage and conceal the entertainment system. Photo by Daniel Contelmo Jr.

This great-room incorporates the living, dining , kitchen as well as access to the back patio. It is the perfect place for entertaining and relaxing. We restored the floors to their original warm tone and used lots of warm neutrals to answer our client’s desire for a more masculine feeling home. A Chinese cabinet and custom-built bookcase help to define an entry hall where one does not exist. We completely remodeled the kitchen and it is now very open and inviting. A Caesarstone counter with an overhang for eating or entertaining allows for three comfortable bar stools for visiting while cooking. Stainless steal appliances and a white apron sink are the only features that still remain. A large contemporary art piece over the new dining banquette brings in a splash of color and rounds out the space. Lots of earth-toned fabrics are part of this overall scheme. The kitchen, dining and living rooms have light cabinetry and walls with accent color in the tile and fireplace stone. The home has lots of added storage for books, art and accessories. In the living room, comfortable upholstered pieces with casual fabrics were created and sit atop a sisal rug, giving the room true California style. For contrast, a dark metal drapery rod above soft white drapery panels covers the new French doors. The doors lead out to the back patio. Photography by Erika Bierman