This unique project was one home designed for two families. The goal was to make the space functional for both families while preserving the integrity of the design. The result is a clean yet aggressive design emphasizing comfortable living for parents and kids. Multiple owner suites are situated on the main level with access to gorgeous views and outdoor living spaces. The cottage also offers plenty of bedrooms for the children - on a separate level - along with a variety of areas to gather, relax, and recreate.

Starbuck International Showroom 1239 found in the LA Mart Design Center. For more information please contact Carol Jean Clark at duendeln@yahoo.com
Example of a classic living room design in Los Angeles

What makes a bathroom accessible depends on the needs of the person using it, which is why we offer many custom options. In this case, a difficult to enter drop-in tub and a tiny separate shower stall were replaced with a walk-in shower complete with multiple grab bars, shower seat, and an adjustable hand shower. For every challenge, we found an elegant solution, like placing the shower controls within easy reach of the seat. Along with modern updates to the rest of the bathroom, we created an inviting space that's easy and enjoyable for everyone.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Storage was extremely important for this project because she wanted to go from keeping everything out in the open to have everything tucked away neatly, and who wouldn’t want this? So we went to work figuring out how to hide as much as possible but still keep things easy to access. The solution was two pullouts on either side of each vanity and a flush mount medicine cabinet above, so plenty of storage for each person. We kept the layout pretty much the same, but just changed up the configuration of the cabinets. We added a storage cabinet by the toilet because there was plenty of room for that and converted the tub to a shower to make it easy to use the space long-term. Modern day conveniences were also installed, including a heated towel bar, a lower threshold cast iron shower pan with sliding barn door shower door and a flip down shower seat. The house is a classic 1950’s midcentury ranch so we chose materials that fit that bill, and that had a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, including light maple Shaker door cabinets, black hardware and lighting, and simple subway tile in the shower. Our client fell in love with the white Macauba quartzite countertops in our showroom, and we agree they bring a perfect earthy energy into her space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

DESIGNED BY TOC design CONSTRUCTION BY TOC design & Construction inc. PHOTOS BY : Tania Scardellato I was fortunate to have a young family approach me in desperate need to renovate there only 3 piece bathroom. This space was In dire need of a remodel, with old brown wall to wall tiles and a dated bulky yellow brown single sink vanity. Storage was a must, lighting a necessity, and proper accessibility to the shower bath area. We had a tight budget to respect, but a full gut of this bathroom was required. And a good thing too, once we started doing the demolition we noticed that mildew and rotting floors and walls had accumulated throughout the years. Doing it right the first time is no joke when dealing with water and electrical issues. We discarded all reminisce of old and built from scratch, new walls, new plumbing, new electrical ,new insulation and a new window, a new fan that actually exhausted outside ( I say this laughing as you would be amazed at how many fans are installed but don’t exhaust outside, and you the client would never know unless you go inside the attic space. Once all the hard stuff was done, the rest is just a matter of smart design. If you have a small bathroom here are some tips to guide you. 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. 1-Get creative with corners Space is at a premium in small bathrooms, so it's important to maximize every inch. Corners, for example, provide extra space for shelving, storage units and even hooks. Get creative and install unique design solutions that are not only functional, but also eye-catching. If you love the airiness of floating cabinets, add baskets or decorative boxes under for extra storage. If you are installing floating cabinets insure that they are installed securely to studs or plywood at wall. 2- Let solid colors shine Busy patterns have a shrinking effect and make small bathrooms seem even smaller. Conversely, light natural hues make a space feel more open. If you're itching to get creative with design, experiment with textures but keep overpowering patterns to a minimum. Tone on tone is the best to achieve this. 3 - Maximize your bathtub A bathtub takes up a significant portion of the room, but modern, compact options with curved basins, can make the tub feel larger when in use, all while conserving space. 4 - Select a smaller faucet A faucet is jewelry for the bathroom. And just as accessories can overpower an outfit, a big bulky faucet isn't flattering in a small bath. Single-handle designs conserve counter space, while a wall-mount installation frees it up all together and can create quite the wow-factor, if the budget can accommodate the required changes to plumbing behind the wall. 5 - Make vanity storage simple If you're in a storage war with your small bathroom, you're not alone in the battle. Toiletries and personal supplies without a place to call home only add clutter and chaos. Store smart with a space-saving vanity, the dual sink vanity shown here, looks quite simple, but in reality it has 4 sets of full extension drawers, and the vanity tower adds extra storage without overpowering the use of space. 6 - Show off the shower Shower curtains may be pretty, but they interrupt the visual flow of a bathing space and make it feel significantly smaller. In bathrooms with small footprints, opt for a clear glass sliding shower door that doesn't require the clearance of one with a hinged design. Or as shown in this design and for fraction less expensive a half hinged panel installed on a fixed tempered glass panel. If you're embarking on a big remodel, create the illusion of more space by using same tile in the shower that's used throughout; instead of seeing them as two separate zones, the eye will read them as one. 7 - Discover the treasure of hidden storage Work with a contractor, and you just might find some serious storage potential hidden behind your walls. Whether it's utilizing space between the studs for shallow shelving or a creating a small linen closet by annexing space from an adjacent room, even small additions can make a big difference. 8 - Focal Point Tile is a beautiful, durable addition to any bathroom. For dainty spaces, consider installing tile at a diagonal to accentuate the focal point or as in this bathroom I used an oversized textured pattern to bring depth to the space at the window wall. 9 - Choose the right lights Strategically install light to reflect and brighten a small bathroom to make it appear larger. Recessed lighting is an affordable solution for tiny rooms, offering ample light while taking up little space. Wall sconces alongside a mirror also reflect off the walls and make a room feel bright and airy. I always recommend going with LED lighting at 2800 to 3000K. 10 – Accessorize This is your time to shine in your decorating skills, have fun with your towels, you can change the color scheme daily just by adding pops of color in your accessories, make sure to get items that serve a dual purpose, like baskets, boxes they can always be used as hampers, storing of towels and even a nice display for your guest.

THEME Doors are a visual frame to the entrance of a great room. This highquality, personalized element adds fun and interest to the room before it is even entered, and provides a great introduction for any theme. FOCUS The half-door offers unique access to the room, providing a true feeling of ownership for the child and peace of mind for parents. The top half of the door swings separate from the bottom, maintaining great ventilation and a clear view into the room. GROWTH The doors look beautiful and function normally for many years. SAFETY The doors easily replace unsightly baby gates and provide the same level of restraint, without the footholds or slats often used by children to manipulate or climb gates. Solid wood core birch construction keeps sound out (or sound in) when the door is closed, while a sliding gate lock safely secures the bottom half, and makes opening the top half simple.

A spacious and open kitchen design was ideal for these clients, who wanted a home for entertaining. The traditional white shaker cabinets offer an updated feel when combined with the slate gray countertops, stainless steel appliances, and glazed subway tile backsplash. A convenient banquet is subtly placed to the side of the kitchen, offering an accessible place to sit with family without being isolated from them.

The ways to access the outdoors are among many unique elements of this home built on a narrow lot in a desired neighbourhood. A courtyard is inset halfway down the side of the house, accessible from the main floor and viewable from all three floors from the open staircase. A main bedroom balcony on the second floor and a private deck on the third floor also offer a way to enjoy outdoor space. The polished concrete floors and touches of wood features bring natural elements and tone to the clean, modern feeling of the interior space.

This Master Bathroom remodel includes accessibility features like a zero-threshold shower. These are popular because there is nothing to step over when entering the shower and makes it possible even to roll-in. A door that swings both inward and outward offers added convenience. Fold-down benches, handrails, comfortable faucet handles, and nonskid floors are also important essentials. David Papazian Photography

Mathew and his team at Cummings Architects have a knack for being able to see the perfect vision for a property. They specialize in identifying a building’s missing elements and crafting designs that simultaneously encompass the large scale, master plan and the myriad details that make a home special. For this Winchester home, the vision included a variety of complementary projects that all came together into a single architectural composition. Starting with the exterior, the single-lane driveway was extended and a new carriage garage that was designed to blend with the overall context of the existing home. In addition to covered parking, this building also provides valuable new storage areas accessible via large, double doors that lead into a connected work area. For the interior of the house, new moldings on bay windows, window seats, and two paneled fireplaces with mantles dress up previously nondescript rooms. The family room was extended to the rear of the house and opened up with the addition of generously sized, wall-to-wall windows that served to brighten the space and blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The family room, with its intimate sitting area, cozy fireplace, and charming breakfast table (the best spot to enjoy a sunlit start to the day) has become one of the family’s favorite rooms, offering comfort and light throughout the day. In the kitchen, the layout was simplified and changes were made to allow more light into the rear of the home via a connected deck with elongated steps that lead to the yard and a blue-stone patio that’s perfect for entertaining smaller, more intimate groups. From driveway to family room and back out into the yard, each detail in this beautiful design complements all the other concepts and details so that the entire plan comes together into a unified vision for a spectacular home. Photos By: Eric Roth

A bathtub to shower conversion allows for aging in place. Not having a traditional bathtub in the way of accessing the shower offers ease of use and safety in the bathroom.

Cozy Keeping room directly open to the Kitchen features a tongue & groove ceiling and offers access to the Screen Porch and Covered Porch. Design & photography by: Kevin Rosser & Associates, Inc.

The kitchen features a kitchen island with a breakfast bar made with Caesarstone Quartz countertops, shaker-style cabinets with half moon hardware, a Bosch dishwasher, Summit refrigerator and wine cooler. The kitchen ceiling features original molding with a hanging pendant light. The kitchen offers access to a balcony. The kitchen features a decorative fireplace mantel.

Lakefront living is not often luxurious and conscious of size. The “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals in style. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home leaves nothing wanting, offering homeowners three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.

Here is an exciting project offering opportunities to make a difference, having net zero energy goals and similar aspirations to use sustainable practices as we do. This program required provisions for intergenerational accommodations, and ability to host family and friends, often supporting large gatherings of people. The home is accessible with design supporting evolving needs and aging in place.

This before-and-after bathroom transformation shows how a traditional bathtub was replaced with a Safe Step walk-in tub to create a safer, more accessible bathing space. Featuring a low step-in entry and built-in seating, this small bathroom remodel offers a practical solution for homeowners looking to improve bathroom safety, comfort and independence while aging in place.

Wide slow close drawers offer plenty of accessible storage
Example of a mid-sized transitional built-in desk carpeted and yellow floor craft room design with beige walls

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz Wall paint: Aloof Gray, Sherwin-Williams; fireplace and moldings paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; rug: Stockholm Rug, IKEA; couch: IKEA (now discontinued); chairs: One King's Lane; white chairs: Ikea (now discontinued); wooden desk: Campaign Desk, World Market; desk lamp: Gumball Desk Lamp, Urban Outfitters; floor: Exotic Walnut laminate, Eternity Floors; bookshelves: Ikea

This beautiful Spanish/Mediterranean Modern kitchen features UltraCraft's Stickley door style in Rustic Alder with Natural finish and Lakeway door style in Maple with Blue Ash paint. A celebration of natural light and green plants, this kitchen has a warm feel that shouldn't be missed!