Designer: Barbara Stowe, Allied ASID The clients were looking for a complete update of their original 1960's kitchen. They requested a clean and fresh look that would withstand the test of time. Although the footprint remained the same, eliminating soffits allowed for full height cabinets and made the space look larger. Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinetry, a narrow pull-out pantry cabinet and custom built-in plate rack provide plenty of storage and the dual-fuel Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator are welcome upgrades. Classic colors of gray and yellow are repeated in the handmade ceramic tile back splash, the granite counter tops, porcelain plank tile flooring, decorative valance and the numerous fabrics. Antique chairs upholstered with new fabrics and a farmhouse table made from old doors add warmth, while polished nickel hardware and Schonbek crystal pendants add a bit of bling. The result is a kitchen that is wonderful to cook in as well as being a lovely gathering place for family and friends.

Jim Brady Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a country galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Diego with medium tone wood cabinets, a farmhouse sink and shaker cabinets

Furthering her plan to enhance the room's architecture, Suzanne turned one corner of the kitchen into a cheery dining area with an L-shaped built-in bench that mimics the cabinetry. To keep the dining nook cozy (not restaurant-like) she surrounded the metal bistro table with slipcovered armchairs and hung a sparkly chandelier above. Using the same patterned fabric on the window valances and pillows throughout (Montmartre in Clay/Blue from her own collection for Lee Jofa; leejofa.com), Suzanne introduced color and life to the kitchen without taking away from the all-white effect. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Classic vintage inspired design with marble counter tops. Dark tone cabinets and glass top dining table.
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, an island, marble countertops, a double-bowl sink, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Elegant l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

Drew Kelly
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in San Francisco with white walls

PhotosByHeatherFritz.com
Dining room - large farmhouse light wood floor dining room idea in Atlanta with white walls and no fireplace

A modern kitchen with a farmhouse feel, with open shelving and an eat-in kitchen island. Backsplash tile from Pratt & Larson, AGA appliances. Island countertop is from Paperstone, and pendant lighting is J Schatz. Photo by David Agnello

This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

Margot Hartford Photography
Trendy kitchen photo in San Francisco

A breakfast table attached to the kitchen island offers additional seating and tabletop space. Behind the island, a deep slate blue back wall draws attention to an intricate, multicolored mosaic tile backsplash. Design: Wesley-Wayne Interiors Photo: Stephen Karlisch

Dustin Peck
Transitional dining room photo in Charlotte with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Kitchen remodel with reclaimed wood cabinetry and industrial details. Photography by Manolo Langis. Located steps away from the beach, the client engaged us to transform a blank industrial loft space to a warm inviting space that pays respect to its industrial heritage. We use anchored large open space with a sixteen foot conversation island that was constructed out of reclaimed logs and plumbing pipes. The island itself is divided up into areas for eating, drinking, and reading. Bringing this theme into the bedroom, the bed was constructed out of 12x12 reclaimed logs anchored by two bent steel plates for side tables.

A design for a busy, active family longing for order and a central place for the family to gather. Optimizing a small space with organization and classic elements has them ready to entertain and welcome family and friends. Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639 Neil Landino Photography

This Coastal Inspired Farmhouse with bay views puts a casual and sophisticated twist on beach living. Interior Design by Blackband Design and Home Build by Arbor Real Estate.

Client wanted a spacious kitchen with separate work zones so she could cook while her husband helped clean up. Kitchen island was designed to grow with the family and features seating for up to 5 people and a homework station, complete with outlets in the drawers, at the end of the island. Bar was intentionally designed as a more masculine version of the kitchen. The left side houses drinkware while the right side is a coffee and tea nook. Porcelain countertop runs the entirety of the bar to provide an anxiety-free coffee making experience (for us slightly OCD people out there!). Custom built parquet dining table with easy to maintain black chairs for the couples 2 young kids.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

The kitchen, breakfast room and family room are all open to one another. The kitchen has a large twelve foot island topped with Calacatta marble and features a roll-out kneading table, and room to seat the whole family. The sunlight breakfast room opens onto the patio which has a built-in barbeque, and both bar top seating and a built in bench for outdoor dining. The large family room features a cozy fireplace, TV media, and a large built-in bookcase. The adjoining craft room is separated by a set of pocket french doors; where the kids can be visible from the family room as they do their homework.

Kyle Caldwell
Transitional light wood floor dining room photo in Boston with blue walls