Search results for "Obstacles" in Home Design Ideas

Vivid Interiors
It all began with an aqua Terrazo tile as the inspiration for -our client's master bathroom transformation. A master suite built for an Edmonds Queen, with walk-in closet, master bathroom, and 2 vanity areas were included. The project also included updates to her powder room and laundry room- which was relocated to the lower level. This allowed us to reframe her master suite area and create a larger, more dramatic, and very functional master bath.
Angled walls made space-planning and reframing a challenging puzzle to solve and we not only had to measure the interior, but the exterior angles as well since we were removing walls. Luckily, the large “wet room” concept met the client’s needs and overcame this obstacle. The new space features a stand-alone tub open showering area, as well as sink vanity, and seated makeup area. Additionally, storage needs were addressed with a wall of cabinetry installed adjacent to the new walk-in closet. A serene color palette and a variety of textures gives this bathroom a spa-like vibe and the aqua highlights repeated in glass accent tiles.
Our client enjoys her choice of a walk-in shower or soaking tub with bubbles in the modernized space. Storage was desperately needed, as you can see from the before photos, so the en-suite closet was designed in a linear wall configuration. The original Terrazo tile was used as the vertical accent in the corner of the shower and on the top of the rounded shower bench. Our client held onto her inspiration tile for years while she saved to create a budget worthy of this project and its amenities. Budget is always a consideration, and here our client chose to spoil herself.
Some unique design features include:
• The angled end of the makeup vanity with shelves for toiletries within easy reach of the tub and hidden view.
• The makeup vanity side lighting, seated counter and a convenient laundry chute
• The free-standing tub is perfectly positioned to create a direct sight-line through the master bedroom to the Puget Sound views beyond.
• Wall-mount waterfall filler and controls at the tub eliminate a bulky floor mount faucet.
• An angled countertop and glass shelving add interest between the sink vanity and closet cabinetry.
• The toilet is tucked out of sight just past the first tall cabinet.
• A glass partition blocks overspray from the shower.
She now enjoys a spa like retreat every day!

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.

This project entailed updating a finished basement and boys' playroom that was underutilized and contained many design obstacles from lolly columns to mechanical equipment. The client wanted the space to blend with the eclectic old style of the rest of her home, and also wanted to incorporate a couple of existing custom millwork pieces. With three boys, all with varying interests from art to toy collections, the client needed this space to cater to their hobbies. Ultimately the clients received exactly what they wanted- a multifunctional space that all could enjoy that can only be defined as breathtaking.
Photography: Maryland Photography Inc.
Find the right local pro for your project

2011 National NARI CotY Southeast Regional Award Winner, Residential Universal Design
Middle age family in Fairfax, Virginia faced obstacles in their 1980’s home. The home design was dysfunctional by client home’s narrow hall ways and small bathrooms with unusable tubs and tight spacing where two people could not use it at the same time. Clients desperately needed a more fully accessible laundry, bedroom, and spacious bathroom that could be accommodating their needs for today and as well as the future. We built a 10’ x 40’ first floor room and bath to the back of the home with a full new spacious bedroom with new high efficiency gas fireplace. In addition to the bedroom the space provided a new full bathroom. Also, built out new screened-in porch with railing and handles, trex decking and low maintenance synthetic trims and ceiling panels

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to help an older couple in our local community. They approached us with a project that they thought would be impossible. Turn a 6x6 first floor pantry into a fully functioning bathroom. Normally this space limitation would not be a problem but the plumbing presented a difficulty that already scared away 2 other contractors. We were able to overcome this obstacle with the help of our experienced staff who keep up to date on the newest devices and products in the remodeling industry.
We had a very enjoyable experience designing and remodeling this room. Even with the small space limitations we believe we came up with a very unique and rustic feel for their 1890's farm house. I must end on all the custom wood work that our employees made for this project. From the custom, two-sided, door to the little, wooden, wall shelf we made all of the wooden pieces you see in this project and most of them were unique creations specifically for this job.

Our original client at this property (we now care for it on behalf of its second owner) desired a garden that would produce significant amounts of essential oils that he could process in his own copper still.
As significant amounts of herbs must be processed in order to produce essential oil, this site’s primary obstacle was its lack of space. We designed a dense and stacked landscape in order to produce as much as possible.
With sidewalk beds narrower than 3 feet and significant slope, it was critical that we build retaining walls and import large amounts of compost to the site. This site was completed in 14 working days.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed.
After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site.
The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint?
The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy.
Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

The family liked having a general dining area as well as a formal dining room but wanted to change up the overall layout while opening up the kitchen.
Design Objectives
• Open up the space to the formal dining room and move the general dining area to be next to the living room
• Give the space an expansive feel
• Create multiple work areas
• Create easy flow/walkways/continuity to allow a family of four to move about freely and complete different tasks in the space
• Make the space adaptable for entertaining
• Bring in more natural light
Design Challenges
• Work around obstacles like the fireplace in the dining room and structural fixtures between the dining room and the kitchen
• Design a plan for a very big area that is proportional with no wasted space
Design Solutions
• A structural engineer was brought in to give options for relocating duct work and building a new header.
• Combining the old kitchen and dining room resulted in a great new space that was very long. This allowed us to create new workspaces across two islands.
• A contrasting color theme (bright perimeter cabinets and dark islands) helped ground the space, making it flow while still feeling intimate and inviting.
The homeowners love their new space and report that the aesthetic and functional changes allow them to do more, both individually and together. As a hub for everything their busy lives entail – from day-to-day routines to a wide range of entertaining arrangements – their wide-open kitchen handles it all while keeping the space and the family connected.

Family room with custom large screen TV mount, loft hangout, swing, and obstacle course mount system. This area has become the all around gathering area for the family.

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.

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.

Imagine a modern Lakewood home tailored for two veterans, blending accessibility with sleek design on a tricky lot. Jazz House turns a triangular site into a sunny haven, supporting mobility needs while celebrating life through light and space.
The couple—a doctor and jazz musician—needed a home for limited mobility, with low thresholds and elevator prep. Close to transit for convenience, the design uses the lot's shape to invite winter sun and ease summer heat.
Setbacks on the odd lot could have limited options, but an elongated build maximizes space and light. For injuries, accessible features create smooth movement, turning obstacles into a comfortable, future-proof setup.
The concept focuses on clean, light-filled rooms with modern materials for a fresh feel. A private jazz studio adds personal touch, while the shape enhances views and flow.
Modern methods ensure strength and style, built to handle Colorado's demands with efficiency in mind.
Spacious with four bedrooms and three baths, big windows flood it with light. Private and shared areas, including the studio, make it versatile for work, music, and relaxation.
Since 2015, Jazz House has been a supportive retreat that adapts to life. It offers ease, beauty, and connection to the city – a home where challenges become strengths for joyful living.

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.

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

The ground space that combine the living dining and kitchen is all opened but we still found a way to use the obstacles such as risers that we could not remove and created a beautiful two columns that provided a semi partition and a nice definition between the kitchen and the dining. The motif of a gap is repeated also in the column next to the sofa

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.

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.

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.
56