Search results for "Obstacles" in Home Design Ideas

Even though Aly and her husband were comfortable enough for a DIY project, she wasn’t quite sure how to make her kitchen design come alive.
She had researched examples of kitchen designs on HOUZZ but needed professional design services.
She explains: “The installation was an obstacle because we had to figure a lot of it out ourselves as there weren’t any direct installation instructions. We just looked at the layout pictures and tried to figure it out from there!”
She continues: “We wanted to use IKD for several reasons. The main reason is we have a corner flat front/45-degree angled sink and IKEA didn’t have a base cabinet option for that. So, we needed IKD’s help to figure that situation out.”
“Also the filler IKEA pieces were a nightmare to cut,” she adds.
IKEA cabinetry provided the perfect solution and helped create an efficient workflow in the U-shaped space. The black KUNGSBACKA cabinetry also blends nicely with the white quartz countertops and Pergo flooring, adding warmth to a sleek, minimalistic IKEA kitchen.
And working with IKD also provided another pragmatic solution.
“We live four hours from the nearest IKEA, so the fact that we were able to have help planning our kitchen and ordering it, and having it all delivered to our house was a huge help!”Aly concludes.

We were pleased to be brought in on this penthouse renovation in the heart of Bucktown, Chicago. The goal of this project was to revamp the space and add an additional touch of modern design through the use of warm Walnut Eco-Veneer doors. With warm tones, we were able to play on the traditional feel of the space, yet bring in modern touches with the magnetic latch hardware, concealed hinges, and flush designs. The seamlessly matching frames give an added touch of style, making these door units appear intentional and luxe. Noticed by every individual who walks through space, our Modern Interior doors are made to be an additional form of design that should complement and elevate your space.
Whenever we encounter a renovation project, we often anticipate certain obstacles. Existing design elements (flooring, wall thickness, building codes, etc.) and limited budgets can usually be tough to overcome. However, with our Modern Interior door package, we can provide flexible pricing and flexible styles and finishes that are guaranteed to complement any residence. Each door line has several different complementary designs to choose from, which can add variation throughout your home, while still providing a cohesive style that creates a meaningful flow.
Our Modern Interior door line comes equipped with everything you need for a no-fuss and effortless door buying process. One set price includes the door slab with desired solid wood veneer in finish of your choice, a matching adjustable frame, concealed hinges, and a magnetic lever set. Each door style provides a top of the line product and can exceed any and all expectations you might have. Our Modern Interior doors can provide an updated feel to your home, whether it is modern, contemporary or traditional. All elements of our Modern Interior Doors are geared towards updating your space and adding a luxury feel at an affordable price point. Glenview Haus has a mission to provide all design-savvy individuals with design elements that are highly coveted and unique to your home. Why blend in when you can stand out?
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We were thrilled to partner with our clients in updating and renovating the entire main floor of their inviting Silver Spring home. Tucked away in one of the area’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods this once ultra-traditional-style home is now the ideal blend of past and present. Knowing that we were not only bringing their space current but also creating a tailored in-law suite for their mother’s upcoming stay — we got right to work on our mission of removing all obstacles to this family’s vision.
This comprehensive project includes a larger, more functional kitchen plus Great Room addition; in-law suite with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space; family room; and screened in porch / deck combination ideal for grilling, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
The expansive and open-layout-kitchen features Dura Supreme Shaker Cabinetry painted white and paired with glistening quartz counters. The space continues on and seamlessly opens up into the breezy Great Room and dining area.
The newly equipped Mini-Split HVAC System provides independent temperature control and the elegant Universal Design In-Law Bathroom ensures both safety and usability.
Hardwood flooring was installed and the existing flooring throughout was refinished to match — giving way to the smooth and continuous feel throughout the entire main level.
We are proud to have created and delivered this transitional redesign and remodel all while keeping a small footprint for the in-law suite and not losing any of the original space.

Range and Refrigerator sit together with plenty of landing counter space. Pantry tucks into the corner so refrig doors open fully without obstacles.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, soapstone countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, soapstone countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four.
The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area.
Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove.
Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen.
The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher.
We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash.
The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall.
We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

This project was exciting to design as we were faced with many challenges from the beginning. Our client requested an open layout feel; yet the existing layout blocked the sight views to
the living room and dining room. The original flooring also needed to be utilized in the
design along with the unique soffit ceiling angles. Finally, two large columns that housed
plumbing and electrical and could not be removed proved to be an obstacle that required
creative planning. For these reasons, we designed a large island that encompassed the
columns, matched the angles of the ceiling and covered any missing flooring. This gave our
client her dream, open kitchen with a large island to gather around for cooking and
socializing. The new cabinets were done in a seamless shaker door from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. The island was done in a Languid Blue color while the rest of the kitchen cabinets were done in white. We finished by installing a new Cambria Quartz Montgomery countertop. Now this homeowner has her dream kitchen.

Dale Hall Photography, LLC
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Example of an eclectic ceramic tile kitchen design in Milwaukee with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, black appliances and a peninsula
Example of an eclectic ceramic tile kitchen design in Milwaukee with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, black appliances and a peninsula

Project: Hamilton Street – New Westminster
About this Project
The snow had melted, and our past clients were ready to have us back! This time, to transform their kitchen from its cookie cutter aesthetic to a space that was sophisticated and timeless.
Kitchen:
The previous kitchen had a layout that worked well but was in serious need of a makeover. The visual focus in this renovation is the harmony of the materials used; how the cool and warm tones come together to create this inviting space. The backsplash adds a sense of personality along with the carefully placed open shelving in both the upper cabinets and island.
Working around the existing sprinklers was one of the obstacles we faced while designing this kitchen. At the fridge, we worked around this by setting back the upper cabinets and creating a landing space above the fridge. One of our favourite things about this kitchen is the use of interior organization. These custom additions make for a well equipped and organized kitchen.
Special Mentions:
The black plumbing fixtures by Riobel and sink by Blanco offer some contrast against the white countertops and backsplash.
We jazzed up the old fireplace mantle and surround by using White Oak for the mantle and tile from Julian Tile.

We were thrilled to partner with our clients in updating and renovating the entire main floor of their inviting Silver Spring home. Tucked away in one of the area’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods this once ultra-traditional-style home is now the ideal blend of past and present. Knowing that we were not only bringing their space current but also creating a tailored in-law suite for their mother’s upcoming stay — we got right to work on our mission of removing all obstacles to this family’s vision.
This comprehensive project includes a larger, more functional kitchen plus Great Room addition; in-law suite with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space; family room; and screened in porch / deck combination ideal for grilling, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
The expansive and open-layout-kitchen features Dura Supreme Shaker Cabinetry painted white and paired with glistening quartz counters. The space continues on and seamlessly opens up into the breezy Great Room and dining area.
The newly equipped Mini-Split HVAC System provides independent temperature control and the elegant Universal Design In-Law Bathroom ensures both safety and usability.
Hardwood flooring was installed and the existing flooring throughout was refinished to match — giving way to the smooth and continuous feel throughout the entire main level.
We are proud to have created and delivered this transitional redesign and remodel all while keeping a small footprint for the in-law suite and not losing any of the original space.

Hi, everyone we are in Reston, Virginia,
In this project, the kitchen used to be is now the living room. My clients wanted to update their kitchen, it was a little tight where it was, there were a lot of walls. We wanted to take it away and kind of give them a bigger island so they can seat the kids and they can all have a seat together, enjoy their breakfast, and so forth in a bigger, wider space.
So we also redid the entire floors throughout the house. I wanted to go with a slightly more natural look for the wood. It has a natural stain with a matte finish, which hides scratches. If you have pets or kids, we also match the wood to the floor.
So there is a little bit of warmth around the white. We added sconces around the dining room area to the fireplace to kind of highlight that area there. And then we also paneled the fridge. It makes this line continue a little bit longer since they didn't have the longest run on this end. So it's not stopping by an obstacle that's metal or stainless steel. So that way, it kind of blends in a little bit more with everything, and you only have the range that's showing, which is the focal point
We'll see you on the next project.
Enjoy.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four.
The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area.
Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove.
Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen.
The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher.
We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash.
The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall.
We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

Overcoming immovable obstacles
Photo of a contemporary front yard landscaping in Philadelphia.
Photo of a contemporary front yard landscaping in Philadelphia.

Motorized screens with obstacle detection motors—The total package for a versatile outdoor living space! #sunpro #screenmobile #screenmobilenega #screenedporch #screenedinporch #liveoutdoors

A stunning position for a contemporary build, but with an obstacle in its direct line of sight. More of a challenge than an issue for the Märraum team – and one that they relished.

This couple purchased the home with the intent to remodel. Not only did it have an amazing view, it also had a lot of potential. We focused on improving the flow of the home and bringing it up to date. Tearing down some large obstacles in the open areas and optimizing the space for the master suite by pulling the closet out of the carpeted bathroom and creating a much more functional walk in closet which also acted as a sound barrier from the living spaces. Because the couple was expecting and not completely moved in, this was a fast tracked project while they rented space elsewhere.

Instead of viewing a support beam that couldn’t be moved as an obstacle, Tennille Wood used it as an opportunity to create a functional design element that might not have been incorporated in the design otherwise — a built-in buffet area between the kitchen nook and dining areas. Now the family has additional storage and countertop space for entertaining. The cabinetry (from the kitchen) and stonework (from the living room) creates a smooth transition between the two areas.

This unique project, in the heart of London Fields' creative sector, involved adjacent live-work units owned individually by a furniture maker and a group of video makers. Although experts in their respective fields, neither had experience with multi-unit development. The project presented several challenges and concerns from our clients, which we addressed with creative solutions, expertise, flexibility and collaboration.
The pair of property owners had become accidental developers by virtue of opportunity. We guided them through a complex process by helping them plan effectively, overcoming several obstacles, and ultimately leading them towards a successful outcome.
Our client's primary challenge was maximising the development potential. The two properties are part of a terrace of four. The other two owners had already added an extra storey. The new volume established a precedent for a volume the planners wanted to complete. Maximising the development potential would require carefully considering the limitations of the established volume to ensure a design that would captivate the target market of young and creative professionals.
To overcome these challenges, we took a comprehensive approach that integrated functional and aesthetic considerations. We first focused on reimagining the interior layout, utilising our expertise to optimise space and create a seamless flow within the units. This involved carefully addressing the planning limitations at the front, resulting in a stepped profile, which had initially posed limits to potential uses.

For Elisia, the important thing for her space was…well…the need for more space.
She explains: “Space and function were at the top of my design wish list. Those issues were ad-dressed by using corner cabinets and IKEA SEKTION high-gloss slab doors that would be easy to clean.”
Specifically, the white, high-gloss cabinetry is featured above the stainless steel compact refrigerator and along the perimeter with two upper cabinets above the gas range — ideal as use as a pantry and for storage of dishes, glassware and serving plates.
The base cabinetry runs past the range to the dishwasher along the large breakfast bar, which complements the design with stylish quartz countertops. This also provides additional storage options for pots and pans while keeping an efficient workflow for easy meal prep. The breakfast bar area also provides a suitable space for two to comfortably eat meals.
However, finding the right combination of products that fit this design was a bit of a challenge.
“The main obstacle was the space, because the whole apartment was pretty small,” she says. “We had to use a small compact fridge to fit it in because I wanted to use every inch of space. I also wanted to make sure we used all the corners since it’s kind of a U-shaped kitchen.”

Hi, everyone we are in Reston, Virginia,
In this project, the kitchen used to be is now the living room. My clients wanted to update their kitchen, it was a little tight where it was, there were a lot of walls. We wanted to take it away and kind of give them a bigger island so they can seat the kids and they can all have a seat together, enjoy their breakfast, and so forth in a bigger, wider space.
So we also redid the entire floors throughout the house. I wanted to go with a slightly more natural look for the wood. It has a natural stain with a matte finish, which hides scratches. If you have pets or kids, we also match the wood to the floor.
So there is a little bit of warmth around the white. We added sconces around the dining room area to the fireplace to kind of highlight that area there. And then we also paneled the fridge. It makes this line continue a little bit longer since they didn't have the longest run on this end. So it's not stopping by an obstacle that's metal or stainless steel. So that way, it kind of blends in a little bit more with everything, and you only have the range that's showing, which is the focal point
We'll see you on the next project.
Enjoy.
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