Search results for "Originally prepared" in Home Design Ideas

The kitchen in this contemporary style home seemed to be an afterthought. While the rest of the house is open and expansive, the kitchen was small and detached, especially for a couple who loves to entertain. The very large and adjacent dining room seemed a more likely location for a kitchen, but they resisted the thought of swapping the two spaces. So their designer created a layout that allowed for a second – and larger – opening to the dining room and the expansive, light-filled living space beyond.
A peninsula attaches to the wall that remained between the two openings. There the sink is located so that during food preparation or cleanup there is a view through the windows and the opportunity to socialize with people gathered at the countertop. The seating area is curved to encourage people to gather and chat. The granite countertop choice was a case of love at first sight for this homeowner since it brought his favorite shade of blue into the kitchen.
The cooking center is spread out along the wall at the back of the house. There the eye-catching stainless steel hood creates a focal point above the sleek, low-profile cooktop. Glass tile pulls color from the countertops onto the wall where it glimmers in the light. One oven combined with a microwave/convection oven meet their cooking needs and the stainless steel adds brightness to the room.
The stainless steel refrigerator is just a few steps away from the work center and the seating area and is easily accessible from other parts of the house. The original kitchen featured only one small window in addition to the sliding glass doors. Since it was almost new and the house had been resided, a second window was joined to the first, and cabinetry beneath them anchors them in the space. A tall pantry cabinet completes the kitchen, providing high quality storage and visual balance in this redesign.
Sleek cherry cabinets give this kitchen a decidedly contemporary style. They were stained just enough to add warmth and color and are enhanced with oversized stainless steel pulls.
From this redesigned space you can see into the main house and see out through the many windows there. When combined with a new layout that provides better traffic flow, there’s a new feeling of spaciousness to the kitchen. It’s no longer an afterthought. It’s an integral part of this home’s living space, enhancing the home and the lifestyle of its owners.
Photography By Scott Sherman

These back to back bathrooms share a wall (that we added!) to turn one large bathroom into two. A mini ensuite for the owners bedroom, and a family bathroom for the rest of the house to share. Both of these spaces maximize function and family friendly style to suite the original details of this heritage home. We worked with the client to create a complete design package in preparation for their renovation.

Iron Fence Painting in Wicker Park: A Windy City Painters Case Study
Iron fence painting in Wicker Park is one of the most requested exterior services Windy City Painters performs each season, and this recent project shows exactly why. Set behind an ornate 1890s greystone two-flat, the client's wrought iron fence had endured years of Chicago winters without professional attention. Rust had spread across the pickets, the original black enamel was flaking away in sheets, and the fence's structural hardware had begun to loosen at several joints.
As the trusted local expert for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, Windy City Painters approached this project the same way we approach every iron fence painting job in Wicker Park: with a methodical, multi-step process designed to outlast Midwest weather rather than simply mask the damage.
The Process, Step by Step
Step 1 — Rust Removal and Surface Preparation. Our crew wire-brushed and mechanically ground every rusted section down to clean, stable metal. For pitted or heavily corroded areas, we applied a chemical rust converter to neutralize corrosion at the molecular level before any coating touched the surface. Furthermore, because this greystone was built well before 1978, Windy City Painters tested the existing paint layers for lead and followed strict containment protocols throughout the removal process.
Step 2 — Spot Repairs. Loose pickets were re-secured, small pits were filled, and hardware at the gate hinges was tightened. In contrast to a quick spray-paint refresh, this stage ensures the fence is structurally sound before a single drop of primer goes on.
Step 3 — Priming. A full coat of rust-inhibiting primer, engineered specifically for ferrous metal, was applied by brush to every surface — with particular attention to welds and joints where moisture tends to collect and restart the corrosion cycle.
Step 4 — Topcoat Application. Two finish coats of industrial-grade, direct-to-metal enamel were applied by brush and roller. This built a durable, uniform barrier in classic gloss black, the most popular finish among Wicker Park's historic properties. Finally, our team inspected every inch of the fence for thin spots or missed sections before calling the job complete.
Project Specs
Surface: Ornamental wrought iron fence, posts, and gate hardware
Products used: Rust-inhibiting DTM primer, chemical rust converter, industrial-grade direct-to-metal enamel
Coats applied: 1 primer coat, 2 finish coats
Finish: Gloss black
Timeline: Completed in under two days
Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners
Before starting a similar iron fence painting project in Wicker Park, homeowners should keep a few things in mind. Notably, never paint directly over active rust — trapped moisture underneath will cause the new coat to fail within a season. Additionally, always ask whether a contractor tests for lead paint on pre-1978 homes, since many Wicker Park greystones fall into that category. Meanwhile, hand brushwork matters: the intricate scrollwork common on Wicker Park ironwork requires careful, detailed application that spray equipment simply cannot replicate. Therefore, hiring a crew experienced specifically in historic Chicago ironwork, like Windy City Painters, makes a measurable difference in the finished result.
Windy City Painters also handles related exterior and interior work for Wicker Park properties, including interior painting, drywall and plaster repair, and additional metal refinishing for porches and railings.
Iron fence painting in Wicker Park protects one of the neighborhood's most defining architectural features while restoring curb appeal instantly. As a result, this greystone now has a fence that matches the quality of the home behind it — and will hold up through many more Chicago winters.
See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com.
Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.
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Welcome to our Perfectly Polished Kitchen.
For this Camarillo homeowner, the kitchen no longer fit the way they lived. The original layout felt dated and disconnected, with walls separating the kitchen from the living room and an island oriented toward the backyard. Hosting felt divided, and awkward walkways disrupted the flow of the home.
The goal was to create a kitchen centered around connection and everyday functionality.
We opened the walls between the kitchen and living room and reoriented the island to face the main living space. By relocating a Blanco farmhouse sink to the island and adding bar seating, the kitchen is now a natural gathering place. Family and guests can stay connected while meals are prepared on a 48-inch range with an integrated griddle.
The former range wall was transformed into a dedicated coffee and cocktail bar with a flush integrated MicroDrawer, adding convenience without sacrificing the clean aesthetic.
Waterfall-edge quartz countertops, glazed grey blue Bedrosians tile, integrated refrigerator and freezer columns, premium Ferguson plumbing fixtures, and custom cabinetry create a timeless foundation. Warm wood tones from the island, wide-plank oak flooring, and custom rift-cut white oak range hood balance the polished nickel finishes for a look that feels both inviting and refined.
The result is a timeless kitchen tailored to this homeowner’s minimalist lifestyle. Open, functional, and perfectly polished, it brings family and guests together while blending clean lines and everyday practicality.

Photography: © Stephen Kent Johnson / OTTO
LandFluent was brought onto this remarkable Beverly Hills project by Raymond Jungles, Inc. to provide expert Construction Administration services. Our primary role was to bridge the gap between Raymond Jungles’ design documents and the on-site construction team, ensuring that every detail of the original vision was accurately executed in the built environment.
A significant aspect of our work involved collaborating closely with the construction team on the selection, sourcing, and precise placement of each specimen tree and palm, ensuring their delivery, orientation, and integration seamlessly complemented the overall design. From the early stages of site preparation to the final touches of hardscape detailing and understory planting, we remained deeply engaged, overseeing the process with precision and care.
It was a privilege to work alongside such a talented team, contributing to a project where every element—from the foundational groundwork to the finest landscape details—was thoughtfully realized to create a truly exceptional space.
Scale
1.2 ACRES
Scope
HARDSCAPE + PLANTING DESIGN
Raymond Jungles, Inc. as Design Landscape Architect
LandFluent as local Landscape Architect
Year
2022
Press
Architectural Digest
Architecture
Studio William Hefner
Interior Design
Jamie Bush + Co.
Landscape Architecture (Design)
Raymond Jungles
Landscape Architecture (Local)
LandFluent
General Contractor
MG Partners
Landscape Contractor
Clark & White Landscape
Construction Management
Stonemark Construction Management
Specimen Tree & Palm Suppliers
Bob Everett & Calligari & Associates, LLC

Sampson, our client's adorable pug, would agree that this stylish rooftop garden is the place to be after Rooftopia had the opportunity to give the deck a much needed makeover! Our teams removed an old worn out wooden deck and replaced the flooring with new porcelain tiles on a floating pedestal system for a durable and gorgeous deck surface that not only looks fabulous, it improves drainage, protects the roof membrane from UV exposure, evenly disperses the weight of the garden elements and is modular and very low maintenance.
This private rooftop also features a custom made metal pergola and wooden screen to offer shade and artfully frames the view of the incredible city skyline. The pergola also creates a pleasing surround for the primary rooftop seating and lounge area.
The outdoor kitchen is made of durable marine grade aluminum cabinets and a custom concrete countertop with a built in bar ledge. The bar ledge features an original metal screen pattern and seating positioned to highlight the stunning view and keep the conversation flowing. The centrally located dining area makes it easy to entertain a crowd, host out of town guests before a concert or simply prepare a refreshing drink after work.
Working with the scale of the rooftop we added large planter boxes & greenery situated to soften the hard lines of the building, add a layer of privacy and frame the views of the skyline. A few containers are placed near the entrance and in the seating area to offer pops of colorful seasonal flowers. An irrigation system is a key part of the garden that operates automatically to water plants on a daily timer so our clients can spend their time relaxing and the plants stay healthy. Rooftopia also integrated LED lighting and patio string lights to accent and illuminate these beautiful garden elements.

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Prepare to be immersed in a world where classic elegance meets modern opulence. Yanover Construction, a licensed general contractor renowned for their high-end and custom craftsmanship, proudly presents the full renovation of a classic townhome nestled within the prestigious Buckhead locale, a stone's throw from the vibrant energy of Virginia Highlands.
At the helm of this remarkable project, Yanover Construction embarked on a journey to rejuvenate every facet of the home, from the carefully preserved architectural features to the introduction of bespoke modern amenities.
The heart of this transformation lies in the kitchen, where Yanover Construction's masterful touch reigns supreme. Custom kitchen cabinets, meticulously crafted to both elevate functionality and embody sophistication, create an aesthetic masterpiece. These finely tailored cabinets are complemented by the allure of high-end stone countertops and an intricately designed stone backsplash—a symphony of textures and hues that resonate with luxury.
Illuminating this culinary haven are luxury lighting fixtures, casting a radiant glow that accentuates the beauty of every detail. Thoughtfully introduced cabinet lighting adds an extra layer of refinement, seamlessly blending with stunning trim work that exudes the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Yanover Construction's ingenuity takes center stage with the strategic installation of a structural beam. This architectural marvel ingeniously opens up the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, resulting in a harmonious unity that unites every corner of the home. The mastery of merging form and function is evident in the installation and refinishing of hardwood floors—an enduring touch of elegance that resonates throughout.
The bathrooms, transformed into personal sanctuaries, reflect Yanover Construction's commitment to excellence. Each bathroom now boasts new tile showers adorned with frameless glass, a nod to modern sensibilities. Electric fireplaces, strategically placed, infuse comfort and warmth into these spaces, creating an ambiance of serenity.
Luxury extends to the bespoke vanities that grace each bathroom—custom works of art meticulously curated to blend seamlessly with the home's aesthetic.
Yanover Construction's impeccable reputation as a licensed general contractor specializing in high-end and custom work is embedded within every facet of this renovation. The result is a townhome that not only pays homage to its classic origins but also embraces the essence of contemporary luxury living. Elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation converge, inviting you to experience the pinnacle of sophisticated living in the heart of Buckhead.

Alair Homes Edmonton updated the look of the homeowners’ 1980s A-frame, slanted roof home to a modern, contemporary look that emphasized the raw bones and original architecture they loved.
Alair Homes also “future-proofed” the home in preparation for the homeowners’ retirement by making it wheelchair accessible. Also, a dog wash was added in the back entry for the couple’s dogs and the granite on the fireplace was a gift from the couple’s father who passed away just prior to the renovation.

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects.
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• The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms.
• Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home.
• In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home.
• The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard.
Photo by Shelly Harrison

Our clients in Vienna, VA wanted to update their backyard living space with a larger patio and a South African Braai Grill as the focal point of the design. In addition, seating walls were installed along with a CAST lighting system for evening entertainment. Drainage improvements included riverrocks and window wells.
To begin, we prepared the area by removing the existing patio and columns, regrading the area, and removing a few small trees. Next, we installed a flagstone patio and extended its dimensions from the original patio size. Window wells were installed for additional grading around the house foundation. Next, we installed the stone fireplace using Dove Gray Building stone. Our clients wanted a South African Braai grill, so we also built an open face storage space below the counter top to store wood. The counter top veneer is Dove Gray Building stone to match. A seating wall was also an added touch for easy entertaining. A CAST outdoor lighting system was installed on the seating walls and on the grill. In addition, we installed a Colonial dry stacked wall creating a raised bed look behind the fireplace, patio and near the trampoline. Lastly, we installed Delaware Valley riverstones under the trampoline.
Our clients love the new Outdoor Living Space and we are proud of the outcome! We can design for any size backyard and budget.
Let us help you visualize your outdoor living environment! See our Gallery of Photos and other Projects for great ideas from water features, to fire pits and plantings. Please fill our a Request a Consultation Form or call us at 703-533-5001, info@ogradyslandscape.com
Project Manager: Mike Sullivan
Flagstone Patio
Braai South African Grill
Stone Fireplace
Seating Walls
Counter Tops
Masonry built-in Open Storage
Outdoor Cast Lighting System
Colonial Dry-Stacked Walls
Grading, tree removal, drainage, window wells and riverrocks
Amelia Steiner

Today I present a new project of my ethno-style mural. Several years ago I began to think about the development of modern interior design, since it is important for me not only to fill the space with things and colors, but also to express the very foundations, the origins of life.
I spent a lot of time in museums of decorative arts in Paris, Vienna, London, studying samples of ancient culture. For several years I went on long ethnographic travels and collected a small collection of antiques and vintage items. My maternal grandmother was a People's Artist of Ukraine in the technique of national embroidery and gave me a big love for decorative arts.
Today I present a project based on my research and new understanding of embroidery in a modern interior. Basis: ancient "Reshetilovskaya" embroidery from the Poltava region.
I completed the mural by transferring the old pattern to the wall. The work lasted 6 months, including research, sketches, preparation, color schemes, fitting. I also used a bit of gilding. In the current environment, this type of interior decoration is sustainable, relevant, and very inspiring.
The project has not been published anywhere before. If you are interested, I will send a photo and all the necessary materials and descriptions. I also have all my diplomas and certificates and ready to present them on request.

This Elm Grove couple desired a bigger kitchen with more storage and more space to cook. To achieve this, the original kitchen and dinette were converted into a sunroom addition.
Now our clients have a lot of space to prepare meals on their new Colonial Cream granite countertops. The also have plenty of storage in their new Parker-style Rustic Alder cabinetry.
Our clients really enjoy spending time in their new space!

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

The walls of this early 20th century home are original metal lathe and needed many troweled coats of Swedish Putty to smooth out the walls to prepare for primer and custom tinted Holland Lac Brilliant from Fine Paints of Europe. The final look is oh so luxurious!

In this total gut and reconfiguration of the kitchen and adjacent spaces, a seamless marriage of farmhouse aesthetic with materials that are already in the home create a space that integrates with the feeling of the original home. Significant changes to the layout and removal of walls has created an open concept living, larger kitchen area, and an organized and functional kitchen space. New French doors connect to the outdoors and introduce more light into the space, as well as increased recessed and accent lighting assist in generating a light-filled home. The new layout provides an open, inviting entertaining space where children can play in the den while meals are prepared on the oversized island.

Photography by Jim Tetro
This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland.
The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons.
The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings.
Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing.
Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

Welcome to our Perfectly Polished Kitchen.
For this Camarillo homeowner, the kitchen no longer fit the way they lived. The original layout felt dated and disconnected, with walls separating the kitchen from the living room and an island oriented toward the backyard. Hosting felt divided, and awkward walkways disrupted the flow of the home.
The goal was to create a kitchen centered around connection and everyday functionality.
We opened the walls between the kitchen and living room and reoriented the island to face the main living space. By relocating a Blanco farmhouse sink to the island and adding bar seating, the kitchen is now a natural gathering place. Family and guests can stay connected while meals are prepared on a 48-inch range with an integrated griddle.
The former range wall was transformed into a dedicated coffee and cocktail bar with a flush integrated MicroDrawer, adding convenience without sacrificing the clean aesthetic.
Waterfall-edge quartz countertops, glazed grey blue Bedrosians tile, integrated refrigerator and freezer columns, premium Ferguson plumbing fixtures, and custom cabinetry create a timeless foundation. Warm wood tones from the island, wide-plank oak flooring, and custom rift-cut white oak range hood balance the polished nickel finishes for a look that feels both inviting and refined.
The result is a timeless kitchen tailored to this homeowner’s minimalist lifestyle. Open, functional, and perfectly polished, it brings family and guests together while blending clean lines and everyday practicality.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Step inside this jewel box closet and breathe in the calm. Beautiful organization, and dreamy, saturated color can make your morning better.
Custom cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Stained Glass, and gold accent hardware combine to create an elevated experience when getting ready in the morning.
The space was originally one room with dated built ins that didn’t provide much space.
By building out a wall to divide the room and adding French doors to separate closet from dressing room, the owner was able to have a beautiful transition from public to private spaces, and a lovely area to prepare for the day.

Sampson, our client's adorable pug, would agree that this stylish rooftop garden is the place to be after Rooftopia had the opportunity to give the deck a much needed makeover! Our teams removed an old worn out wooden deck and replaced the flooring with new porcelain tiles on a floating pedestal system for a durable and gorgeous deck surface that not only looks fabulous, it improves drainage, protects the roof membrane from UV exposure, evenly disperses the weight of the garden elements and is modular and very low maintenance.
This private rooftop also features a custom made metal pergola and wooden screen to offer shade and artfully frames the view of the incredible city skyline. The pergola also creates a pleasing surround for the primary rooftop seating and lounge area.
The outdoor kitchen is made of durable marine grade aluminum cabinets and a custom concrete countertop with a built in bar ledge. The bar ledge features an original metal screen pattern and seating positioned to highlight the stunning view and keep the conversation flowing. The centrally located dining area makes it easy to entertain a crowd, host out of town guests before a concert or simply prepare a refreshing drink after work.
Working with the scale of the rooftop we added large planter boxes & greenery situated to soften the hard lines of the building, add a layer of privacy and frame the views of the skyline. A few containers are placed near the entrance and in the seating area to offer pops of colorful seasonal flowers. An irrigation system is a key part of the garden that operates automatically to water plants on a daily timer so our clients can spend their time relaxing and the plants stay healthy. Rooftopia also integrated LED lighting and patio string lights to accent and illuminate these beautiful garden elements.

This homeowner loved her small, cozy house in St. Louis park, but after nearly 20 years, was ready to make the move and undergo a large remodeling project to finally gain the additional living spaces she craved daily.
She desperately needed more and better storage, and dreamed of having additional space to support leisure activities such as crafting, a laundry space that didn’t depress her, a guest space, an additional space to flop down at the end of the day and watch TV, and a better, secondary bathroom for daily showering.
After living in the house for so many years, a significant basement remodel would actually cost almost as much as the home itself originally was. But after years of planning, preparation and dreaming, it was finally time to take action and make her home better suit her life.
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