Elizabeth Taich Design is a Chicago-based full-service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in sophisticated yet livable environments.

Kitchen Design
Mid-sized cottage l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island and white appliances

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

View from Office/Guest Bedroom to the Dining Room and Kitchen. Custom made barrister bookcases for glassware. Bernd and Hilla Becher photographs.
Inspiration for a large contemporary medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in New York with white walls

In New England, mudrooms are essential. Here, classic blue-gray wainscoting, vintage botanical prints, and a bench with basket storage blend function with character.

Example of a trendy mudroom design in Chicago

Mark Woods
Mid-sized trendy detached shed photo in Seattle

This study was designed with a young family in mind. A longhorn fan a black and white print was featured and used family photos and kids artwork for accents. Adding a few accessories on the bookcase with favorite books on the shelves give this space finishing touches. A mid-century desk and chair was recommended from CB2 to give the space a more modern feel but keeping a little traditional in the mix. Navy Wall to create bring your eye into the room as soon as you walk in from the front door.

photography by Morgan Howarth. image copyright Morgan Howarth.
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in DC Metro with a hinged shower door

kyle caldwell
Country single-wall brick floor utility room photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, open cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary walk-in closet remodel in Cincinnati with open cabinets and white cabinets

Casey Dunn Photography
Example of a large classic galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, marble countertops and ceramic backsplash

Inspiration for a small contemporary built-in desk dark wood floor home office remodel in Austin with white walls

At the entrance to this rural modern master bedroom, we hung a reclaimed wood wall hook which we found at AllModern.com and placed a small wooden stool to act as a catch-all area to keep the bedroom tidy.

Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Example of a transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room design in New York with beige walls and a tv stand

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a country girl medium tone wood floor kids' room remodel in Boston with white walls

PhotoSynthesis Studio
Farmhouse single-wall dedicated laundry room photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

Sullivan's Island Private Residence Completed 2013 Photographer: William Quarles Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Tumblr: inkarchitecture
Mid-sized beach style gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' room photo in Charleston with blue walls

Black and White bathroom with forest green vanity cabinets. Pullout storage organizers.
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, white floor, single-sink and wallpaper bathroom remodel in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity