THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. The Galley Sink dresser features many options neatly tucked away into a custom arrangement for ease of access while entertaining.

This “Arizona Inspired” home draws on some of the couples’ favorite desert inspirations. The architecture honors the Wrightian design of The Arizona Biltmore, the courtyard raised planter beds feature labeled specimen cactus in the style of the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the expansive backyard offers a resort-style pool and cabana with plenty of entertainment space. Additional focal areas of landscape design include an outdoor living room in the front courtyard with custom steel fire trough, a shallow negative-edge fountain, and a rare “nurse tree” that was salvaged from a nearby site, sits in the corner of the courtyard – a unique conversation starter. The wash that runs on either side of the museum-glass hallway is filled with aloes, agaves and cactus. On the far end of the lot, a fire pit surrounded by desert planting offers stunning views both day and night of the Praying Monk rock formation on Camelback Mountain. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Builder: GM Hunt Builders Landscape Contractor: Benhart Landscaping Interior Designer: Kitchell Brusnighan Interior Design Photography: Ian Denker

For this Boston-area former hunting lodge, featured in Outside the Not So Big House by Julie Moir Messervy and Sarah Susanka, JMMDS created a landscape design that anchors the house in the site and complements its Tuscan-inspired architectural update. Three paths meet in a circle of bricks that subtly offers visitors a place to pause and consider before continuing in another direction. Moss has been cultivated to fill the spaces between bricks. Photo: Grey Crawford.

This remodel is a stunning 100-year-old Wayzata home! The home’s history was embraced while giving the home a refreshing new look. Every aspect of this renovation was thoughtfully considered to turn the home into a "DREAM HOME" for generations to enjoy. With Mingle designed cabinetry throughout several rooms of the home, there is plenty of storage and style. A turn-of-the-century transitional farmhouse home is sure to please the eyes of many and be the perfect fit for this family for years to come. Spacecrafting

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Photo: Stan Shebs, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported Cercis occidentalis in the south fork of Pine Creek Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountains, southern Nevada

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in DC Metro with gray walls

Featured in Country Living magazine, the airy plan offers spaciousness in a limited-fronted site of the American foursquare house. The goal for the design was creating a contemporary foursquare style house. The family room and kitchen of this American foursquare interior are separated by a glassy built-in rather than walls, encouraging visual connection between the spaces in the four square house. Though nestled in the city, this American foursquare home feels like a classic country home.

Beautifully renovated, Path-friendly, parlor level home with private backyard on downtown Bloomfield St. Open kitchen features stainless steel appliances, custom Thomasville cabinets, soft-close drawers, under-mount lighting, granite counters and island with additional storage. Ample living room offers recessed lighting, exposed brick, hardwood floors, custom radiator covers, and wood-burning fireplace. Both bedrooms are generous with great closet space. Indulgent bath with custom tile work, quartzite counters, heated floors and frameless glass shower enclosure. Out back, your oasis - a very private garden surrounded by a lush canopy perfect for grilling and relaxing. All this minutes from the Path train and surrounded by southern Hoboken’s most dynamic shops, restaurants and parks.

The midcentury modern dining room at the Sennett Residence in Asheville, NC offers a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort, designed by Living Stone Design + Build. Featuring expansive windows that invite natural light and showcase breathtaking mountain views, this inviting space showcases modern furnishings and warm materials, making it the perfect setting for memorable gatherings and meals with loved ones.

Transitional entryway photo in Raleigh

The Robert A.M. Stern Collection™ for Walker Zanger is an elegant offering of ceramic tile, directly inspired by the firm’s architectural and interior designs. From shingle clad homes in the country to elegant residences in the city, Robert A.M. Stern Architects is world renowned for contemporary interpretations of classical architecture. Walker Zanger brings this design vision to a wider audience with a collection of tiles in a multitude of colors, shapes and textures. Designed and rendered with attention to every detail, Robert A.M. Stern Collection tiles are appropriate for residential, hospitality, retail and many other applications.

This majestic home was brought back to life with a full gut and remodel. We captured the original characteristics while integrating the modern features. The client wanted to create a space where family and friends can gather and partake in what this wonderful old home has to offer.

A great dining table has always been the center of family life and Magnolia Homes' 8 foot Keeping Dining Table will be just that with its nostalgic look of the way things used to be. It has four keeping drawers on each side, thumbnail edges on the top and sturdy square tapered legs. Also available in 6 foot (72 inches) and 7 foot (84 inches) lengths. All sizes are also available in Jo's White painted finish. The beautiful Magnolia Home line was designed exclusively by Joanna Gaines to convey her fresh, unique design style that embodies her lifestyle of home and family. Each piece falls onto a specific genre: Boho, Farmhouse, French Inspired, Industrial, Primitive or Traditional. Painted finishes and wood stains are offered that replicate the look of age-worn vintage patinas. This piece is part of her Farmhouse genre, which is welcoming, comfortable and timelessly fresh. It features charming details such as scalloped trim, farmhouse-style turnings and age-worn finishes. Farmhouse is a nostalgic look into the way things used to be; how people worked with their hands, came home, ate well, and rested. It's a story of times past, how things used to be made, how they used to look. This style is the simplicity and timelessness of the past.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, blue backsplash, paneled appliances and white countertops

This pool has every feature one could desire. From multiple fire features to various waterfalls, the senses are always engaged in this outdoor space. The Baja shelf allows for shallow sitting relaxation. The swim up grotto is hidden by a continuous water fall and offers bench seating inside. The deck above is nearly 8 feet high off the ground level in order to capture the panoramic ocean views. Complete with a large built in infinity edge spa, fire feature and bubble fountains, the deck space is an entertainers dream.

Laundry room - farmhouse medium tone wood floor and brown floor laundry room idea in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored walls and white countertops

Beautifully designed by Giannetti Architects and skillfully built by Morrow & Morrow Construction in 2006 in the highly coveted guard gated Brentwood Circle. The stunning estate features 5bd/5.5ba including maid quarters, library, and detached pool house. Designer finishes throughout with wide plank hardwood floors, crown molding, and interior service elevator. Sumptuous master suite and bath with large terrace overlooking pool and yard. 3 additional bedroom suites + dance studio/4th bedroom upstairs. Spacious family room with custom built-ins, eat-in cook's kitchen with top of the line appliances and butler's pantry & nook. Formal living room w/ french limestone fireplace designed by Steve Gianetti and custom made in France, dining room, and office/library with floor-to ceiling mahogany built-in bookshelves & rolling ladder. Serene backyard with swimmer's pool & spa. Private and secure yet only minutes to the Village. This is a rare offering. Listed with Steven Moritz & Bruno Abisror. Post Rain - Jeff Ong Photos www.124northgunston.com http://www.abisrorproperties.com/gunston.html http://stevenmoritz.com/

This stunning two-story deck is the perfect place to host many guests - all with different locations. The second-story provides an excellent place for grilling and eating. The ground-level space offers a fire feature and covered seating area. Extended by hardscaping beyond the covered ground-level space, there is a fire pit for even further gathering.