Transitional kitchen photo in New York

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Dining room - dining room idea in Glasgow

Margot Hartford
Inspiration for a 1950s gray floor and slate floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This kitchen addition project is an expansion of an old story and a half South Bozeman home. See the video about the finished project here: https://youtu.be/ClH5A3qs6Ik This old house has been remodeled and added onto many times over. A complete demolition and rebuild of this structure would be the best course of action, but we are in a historic neighborhood and we will be working with it as is. Budget is an issue as well, so in addition to the second story addition, we are limiting our renovation efforts to the kitchen and bathroom areas at the back the house. We are making a concerted effort to not get into too much of the existing front half of this house. This is precisely the type of remodeling work that requires a very skilled and experienced builder. And I emphasize experienced. We are lucky to be working with Luke Stahlberg of Ibex Builders. Luke is a talented local Bozeman contractor with years of experience in the remodeling industry. Luke is very methodical and well organized. This is a classic remodeling project with enough detail to really test a contractor’s skill and experience.

Example of a beach style backyard concrete and rectangular lap pool design in New York

Darris Lee Harris
Mid-sized trendy l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

This stone and cement-stucco carriage house with second floor art studio overlooks the beautifully lush garden below. (Beth Singer Photography)
Example of a country white two-story exterior home design in Detroit

Example of a small minimalist gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom design in Raleigh with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

Large trendy open concept and formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Charleston with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Home design - cottage home design idea in Denver

Photo courtesy of Alan Mascord Design Associates and can be found on houseplansandmore.com
Large elegant green three-story wood exterior home photo in St Louis

Inspiration for a transitional multicolored two-story mixed siding gable roof remodel in Salt Lake City with a shingle roof

Expansive Kitchen with island seating, lots of windows, blue painted cabinets and white marble countertops.
Large elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Shelley Metcalf Photographer
Large tuscan backyard rectangular and concrete paver pool house photo in San Diego

A simple front facade consisting solely of ten-foot shuttered French doors radiates elegance in this new traditional foursquare home in Washington, D.C. 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.

Jim Westphalen
Large minimalist formal and open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Burlington with brown walls and no tv

Goals While their home provided them with enough square footage, the original layout caused for many rooms to be underutilized. The closed off kitchen and dining room were disconnected from the other common spaces of the home causing problems with circulation and limited sight-lines. A tucked-away powder room was also inaccessible from the entryway and main living spaces in the house. Our Design Solution We sought out to improve the functionality of this home by opening up walls, relocating rooms, and connecting the entryway to the mudroom. By moving the kitchen into the formerly over-sized family room, it was able to really become the heart of the home with access from all of the other rooms in the house. Meanwhile, the adjacent family room was made into a cozy, comfortable space with updated fireplace and new cathedral style ceiling with skylights. The powder room was relocated to be off of the entry, making it more accessible for guests. A transitional style with rustic accents was used throughout the remodel for a cohesive first floor design. White and black cabinets were complimented with brass hardware and custom wood features, including a hood top and accent wall over the fireplace. Between each room, walls were thickened and archway were put in place, providing the home with even more character.

Example of a large trendy master bedroom design in Phoenix with white walls