Search results for "Optimal" in Home Design Ideas

The Setup
When our clients decided to remodel their primary bathroom, the goal was to transform the space into a brighter, more open retreat tailored to their needs. The previous layout, with its enclosed zones and limited functionality, no longer met their needs. By reimagining the layout and introducing thoughtful design choices, we created a modern, elegant bathroom that serves their current and future lifestyle.
Design objectives:
- Create a brighter, more open bathroom while maintaining privacy.
- Provide functional storage solutions without relying on the old linen closet.
- Incorporate a freestanding tub, large shower, and a makeup area for added versatility.
- Retain natural light from existing windows.
- Introduce elegant finishes and accents for a timeless aesthetic.
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
- Reconfiguring the layout while keeping the existing plumbing for the toilet.
- Creating storage that houses everything that resided within the linen closet.
- Designing clearance and functionality for a freestanding tub, shower, and makeup area within the limited space.
- Accommodating the client’s desire for a pocket door in the commode room despite spatial constraints.
Introducing accent tile and cabinetry colors that align with the client’s vision yet maintain a cohesive look with the rest of the home.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
- Reimagined Layout: Moved the shower from the back of the room, creating a more open feel with additional glass while preserving privacy with a wing wall and bench. The freestanding tub was angled to optimize space and enhance circulation, with textured tile behind it adding visual interest.
- Efficient Storage: Eliminated the original linen closet and incorporated functional base cabinet storage and a designated makeup area for added utility.
- Optimized Access: Adjusted the depth of the makeup vanity to provide sufficient walkway clearance, ensuring a comfortable flow around the tub.
- Tailored Features: Installed a smaller pocket door in the commode room to resolve framing and plumbing limitations.
- Elegant Accents: Introduced a subtle marble herringbone mosaic tile in the shower and textured tile behind the tub to enhance the monochromatic palette. Painted cabinetry in a dark gray finish provided a bold yet refined contrast to the light countertops.
Final Thoughts:
The reimagined primary bathroom is a true reflection of the client’s needs and style preferences. By thoughtfully reworking the layout and incorporating functional yet elegant design elements, we created a serene and practical space that serves as a personal retreat. The result is a timeless bathroom that supports their busy lifestyle while providing moments of tranquility.

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget.
New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden.
The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces.
New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace.
We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space.
We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house.
Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Gorgeous kitchen in Redmond awaited a complete makeover, driven by the client's desire for enhanced storage, improved spatial flow, and, above all, a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Despite the house's generous room sizes and vaulted ceilings, the existing kitchen felt cramped, with low ceilings and a less-than-optimal layout.
Our approach to reconfiguring the kitchen was bold and transformative. We removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room, opening up the space. The ceiling height was raised to create an airier atmosphere. Moreover, we ingeniously relocated the faucet and stove, optimizing functionality and aesthetics. Despite the kitchen's modest footprint, we successfully integrated ample storage, achieving a remarkable transformation in both layout and flow.
But our renovation didn't stop there. We also treated the entire house to the allure of refinished and restrained wood floors, breathing new life into the living spaces. Outdated lighting fixtures in the living and dining areas were thoughtfully replaced with designs that not only complemented the new kitchen but also harmonized with the home's existing interior.
This Redmond kitchen renovation project is a true testament to the power of vision, skill, and transformation.
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Our recent project in the West Village involved a comprehensive kitchen and bathroom remodel, focusing on innovative design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetics. In the kitchen, we incorporated vibrant green cabinets to infuse a sense of freshness and modernity. Breaking down a wall transformed the closed kitchen into an open space, promoting a seamless connection with the living areas. The bathroom, despite its small size, was optimized for usability. Green tiles were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also to create a soothing atmosphere. The strategic use of space maximized storage and usability. As part of the overall renovation, we refinished the floors, providing a cohesive and polished look throughout. Additionally, closet doors were installed, contributing to organized and clutter-free living. This West Village project showcases our commitment to blending style and functionality, resulting in a transformed living space that meets the unique needs of our clients.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

We absolutely love the final result of this unique, two-toned kitchen! Our clients came to us with the need for a lot of love in their kitchen. Their home, situated in the Fox Ridge neighboorhood of Centennial, is a lovely and spacious house with lots of potential. The kitchen, while very sizable, contained a number of super dated elements. Our goal was to give the kitchen a complete aesthetic facelift, but to also encourage better function in the kitchen. Our primary concern was disconnecting the existing (huge) peninsula and replacing it with a centralized island. This busy family of four will benefit from the gathering space the island provides. We worked with the existing ceiling condition to create a unique, recessed wood-clad ceiling that offers a gorgeous rustic aesthetic. The existing linoleum flooring was replaced with beautiful walnut hardwood. New cabinets were installed in a two-toned orientation. The upper cabinets are a soft stone gray and the lowers are a painted hazelnut. We've stacked cabinets next to the range to create a secondary pantry storage area, and repaired portions of the existing pantry to optimize shelving space and appearance. The kitchen also includes a new desk area integrated into the cabinet run for homework and to-do lists. A new large, singe-basin sink and pull-down faucet were installed, and the kitchen is brought together by the mini-stacked stone backsplash that brings texture and warmth to the room. We've offered durable and beautiful working surfaces by topping the cabinets with quartz countertops: MSI Boletus against the window wall and MSI Concerto on the island. We love the look the of this final result, but particularly love the optimized function that it offers this wonderful family!

Gorgeous kitchen in Redmond awaited a complete makeover, driven by the client's desire for enhanced storage, improved spatial flow, and, above all, a seamless connection between the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Despite the house's generous room sizes and vaulted ceilings, the existing kitchen felt cramped, with low ceilings and a less-than-optimal layout.
Our approach to reconfiguring the kitchen was bold and transformative. We removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room, opening up the space. The ceiling height was raised to create an airier atmosphere. Moreover, we ingeniously relocated the faucet and stove, optimizing functionality and aesthetics. Despite the kitchen's modest footprint, we successfully integrated ample storage, achieving a remarkable transformation in both layout and flow.
But our renovation didn't stop there. We also treated the entire house to the allure of refinished and restrained wood floors, breathing new life into the living spaces. Outdated lighting fixtures in the living and dining areas were thoughtfully replaced with designs that not only complemented the new kitchen but also harmonized with the home's existing interior.
This Redmond kitchen renovation project is a true testament to the power of vision, skill, and transformation.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

The amazing work from the cabinetmakers at Kitchen Saver. Custom Cabinet Renewal brought this kitchen some Traditional-style cherry cabinets with Washington cherry stain and sable glaze on Presidential center raised panel doors.
Custom features include matching pantries, and extended peninsula, a bulkhead removed to extend the cabinets up to the ceiling, a trash-can pull out, optimizer for the blind corner cabinet and a wine rack over the built-in fridge. Countertops are Hawaiian Green granite.

Mini marvel kitchen optimizes a small footprint in Cambridge, MA. Heath tile, semi-custom cabinetry from Brubaker, quartz countertops and a Kerf board make this urban kitchen highly functional.

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget.
New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden.
The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces.
New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace.
We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space.
We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house.
Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Optimal Lighting: Brighten up your bathroom with optimal lighting solutions. Reach out to Volcano Builders!
Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Seattle
Example of a minimalist bathroom design in Seattle

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

CSU transformed this kitchen into a timeless masterpiece. We said goodbye to outdated aesthetics and welcomed a fresh, modern look that combines functionality with elegance.
Starting with the heart of the kitchen, the painted White Dove cabinetry brings a bright and airy feel, enhancing the sense of space and openness. Complemented by luxurious quartzite countertops, the kitchen surfaces are not only stunning but also durable and easy to maintain, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
The focal point of the kitchen is the meticulously crafted tile backsplash. The herringbone pattern over the stove adds a touch of sophistication and texture. Paired with the warmth of hardwood flooring, seamlessly filled in where cabinets were relocated, this kitchen exudes a cozy yet contemporary ambiance.
With the sink moved from its awkward corner space, the kitchen's flow is enhanced, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. The new, farmhouse sink is perfectly positioned to optimize functionality and style. With polished nickel faucets and amazing gold pendants, every detail exudes luxury and refinement.
The ventilation system was upgraded from a downdraft to a sleek recirculating hood, ensuring optimal air quality while maintaining a seamless aesthetic.
The new design embraces the practicality of a redesigned layout, transitioning from a double-height peninsula to an L-shaped configuration, maximizing counter space and efficiency. Cabinets have been skillfully relocated to accommodate a new slide-in range, complete with convenient spice cabinets on each side, ensuring the culinary essentials are always within reach.
With our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality craftsmanship, this kitchen remodel is not just a renovation but a transformational experience, tailored to the owners' unique styles and needs. Say hello to a kitchen that is as functional as it is beautiful, a space where memories are made, and culinary dreams come to life.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

When Chris B. came to us about building a solarized barn on his Hillsboro property we jumped at the opportunity to design a perfectly situated solar roof. Given the location, the optimal tilt and orientation for maximum annual solar resource is a 35 degree tilt and 183 azimuth, making the Tilt and Orientation Factor (TOF) a perfect 100%! This standing seam metal roof—the optimal roofing material for solar—was sized to allow a 3' supported walkway around the entire perimeter of the building and enough space for 20.67kW worth of solar panels to make the property net-zero. It's literally perfect!
Estimated Annual Energy Production: 21,598 kWh/yr - Includes (25) Year Warranty.

Storage is not only optimized to suit the clients needs within the cabinets it is on the wall as well by using pegboard.
photo Eduard Hueber © archphoto.com

Like an artful masterpiece, Ardmore Residence exhilarates, engages and inspires. Rising boldly above Singapore’s premier residential address, Ardmore Park, the 36-story residential tower redefines the luxury living of an urban home with imagination, privileges and services that are exclusive to its residents.
The apartment’s spaces conjure up the harmony of a light-filled urban cocoon rising above the energy of the city. Orchard Road’s landmarks dazzle in crisp clarity from the apartments facing south, while the units with a north orientation enjoy Bukit Timah Hill’s lush green foliage. The living and dining wing opens to a doublevolume
balcony that presents an impressive space for residents who enjoy entertaining at home in style, or simply relaxing in their luxury of space. At more than 2,000 sq. ft. each, all of the 56 luxurious units have been fitted with premium stone finishes, carefully selected and processed to achieve the optimal aesthetical effect.
M&G inspected and selected the blocks directly from quarries located in Iran, Italy and Spain, and then fabricated according to the customized finishes of each unit type. The flat cut pieces and solid curved pieces for each unit were then laid out per the shop drawings, inspected and approved by the owner’s representatives,
before individually numbered and packed for delivery to site.
In the main lobby, an impressive onyx feature wall captures the attention of visitors with its stunning book-matched effect. The blocks were individually selected to ensure consistency of the veining, then allocated to each elevation to create optimal symmetry when book-matched. The slabs were then cut and book-matched polished, laid out to visualize the effect and to mark the actual sizes to cut, before finally cutting to size. Special attention was paid to the curved corner pieces in order to achieve a similar book-matched effect as the flat pieces. The landscaped areas also feature granite in
various thicknesses with radial cuts to complement the architectural style of the project.

Our clients, a lovely couple with two kids, asked us to renovate their dated Kitchen. Although they were happy with its existing layout, the cupboards were worn out, and did not provide optimal storage.
Through detailed investigation and design, we created an updated space, tailored to their needs. New custom-built cabinets with modern contemporary finishes not only provided optimal storage solutions, but a fresh, update to the Kitchen. Larger countertops provided a more functional preparation area and were complimented beautifully with a matching backsplash.
Re-grouting the floor tiles throughout the Kitchen and Main Floor made the floors look like new again. Updated lighting and paint with soft undertones provide a warm, welcoming feeling.
Overall, the personalized details and updates increased both the functionality and comfort for our clients, creating a home that is unmistakably theirs.

Statement floor-to-ceiling entryway feature designed for a luxury condo in Tulum. Highlights a custom organic-shaped wooden full-length mirror with integrated LED backlighting, soft chukum-plaster wall finish, solid wood accent stool, and decorative bohemian hat displays. Perfect for turnkey vacation rental optimization and Instagrammable guest moments.
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