Marlon Hazlewood
Enclosed kitchen - small transitional slate floor enclosed kitchen idea in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

As one of the design consultants with Mayflower Construction, I’m usually the first person a new client meets. I show up at their house, view the bathroom or kitchen in question, talk through their ideas, and give my presentation on what it’s like to work with my team. I’m always surprised by how little questions people ask me. To help you on your quest to find the perfect contractor, I’ve thought of basic and thought-provoking questions you should ask your contractor during your first meeting. Use the QR code or link to check out the blog on some basic questions to ask home improvement contractor’s: https://mayflowerva.com/what-questions-should-i-ask-my-contractor-during-the-first-meeting/

This 1960’s ranch in Fitchburg, MA had a kitchen with suspended cabinets and a very tiny work area. The suspended cabinets blocked the view of the large window looking at the backyard and made it difficult to visit with friends and family while working in the kitchen. The homeowners were interested in having a kitchen where their extended family and friends could come and enjoy “hanging out” in the kitchen. We removed the suspended cabinets and installed an island where 4 to 5 people could “hang out” and talk to the cooks while they prepare the meal. We also added seating under the window by putting a very practical window seat. The window seat has drawers below for easy access seasonal storage. We also made the cased opening to the dining room larger so when there is a very large gathering a couple of people can sit on stools looking into the kitchen. So now this once “small” kitchen with very limited seating can have several people visiting and yet not be bumping into those preparing the meals.

This 1960’s ranch in Fitchburg, MA had a kitchen with suspended cabinets and a very tiny work area. The suspended cabinets blocked the view of the large window looking at the backyard and made it difficult to visit with friends and family while working in the kitchen. The homeowners were interested in having a kitchen where their extended family and friends could come and enjoy “hanging out” in the kitchen. We removed the suspended cabinets and installed an island where 4 to 5 people could “hang out” and talk to the cooks while they prepare the meal. We also added seating under the window by putting a very practical window seat. The window seat has drawers below for easy access seasonal storage. We also made the cased opening to the dining room larger so when there is a very large gathering a couple of people can sit on stools looking into the kitchen. So now this once “small” kitchen with very limited seating can have several people visiting and yet not be bumping into those preparing the meals.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New York

The ceiling treatment highlights the soft lines of this living room.
Trendy formal living room photo in Miami with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

This 1960’s ranch in Fitchburg, MA had a kitchen with suspended cabinets and a very tiny work area. The suspended cabinets blocked the view of the large window looking at the backyard and made it difficult to visit with friends and family while working in the kitchen. The homeowners were interested in having a kitchen where their extended family and friends could come and enjoy “hanging out” in the kitchen. We removed the suspended cabinets and installed an island where 4 to 5 people could “hang out” and talk to the cooks while they prepare the meal. We also added seating under the window by putting a very practical window seat. The window seat has drawers below for easy access seasonal storage. We also made the cased opening to the dining room larger so when there is a very large gathering a couple of people can sit on stools looking into the kitchen. So now this once “small” kitchen with very limited seating can have several people visiting and yet not be bumping into those preparing the meals.

Marni Epstein-Mervis © 2018 Houzz
Example of a 1960s living room design in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Atlanta

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

This tiny home is located on a treelined street in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. We helped our client create a living and dining space with a beach vibe in this small front room that comfortably accommodates their growing family of four. The starting point for the decor was the client's treasured antique chaise (positioned under the large window) and the scheme grew from there. We employed a few important space saving techniques in this room... One is building seating into a corner that doubles as storage, the other is tucking a footstool, which can double as an extra seat, under the custom wood coffee table. The TV is carefully concealed in the custom millwork above the fireplace. Finally, we personalized this space by designing a family gallery wall that combines family photos and shadow boxes of treasured keepsakes. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Large open transitional kitchen with white cabinets and dark island, white quartz counters and glass tile. Bertazzoni appliances, Dornbracht and Kohler fixtures.

Don't Let a Little Rain Keep You Indoors! As you begin thinking about the covered structure you envision, you’ll find magazines, books and design websites are excellent sources of inspiration. One of your friends or neighbors have a particularly cool outdoor space? Snap a picture and let’s talk about elements you'd like to see in yours. Or, if you're more of a writer, describe what you're looking for in a paragraph or two. This will help your landscaping contractor understand what it is you'd like to achieve with your covered structure or wood pergola. Think about how you will use your outdoor space and how many people might be enjoying it. Will you be dining, socializing, or relaxing under your gazebo or pergola? Also, as you gather ideas and inspiration, talk to your contractor about the costs for materials and design elements – that way you can establish an estimated budget.

Don't Let a Little Rain Keep You Indoors! As you begin thinking about the covered structure you envision, you’ll find magazines, books and design websites are excellent sources of inspiration. One of your friends or neighbors have a particularly cool outdoor space? Snap a picture and let’s talk about elements you'd like to see in yours. Or, if you're more of a writer, describe what you're looking for in a paragraph or two. This will help your landscaping contractor understand what it is you'd like to achieve with your covered structure or wood pergola. Think about how you will use your outdoor space and how many people might be enjoying it. Will you be dining, socializing, or relaxing under your gazebo or pergola? Also, as you gather ideas and inspiration, talk to your contractor about the costs for materials and design elements – that way you can establish an estimated budget.

A great view of the custom built playhouse. This structure features all the elements of an outdoor play structure, including two slides, monkey bars, mini rock climbing wall, a swing and a "trapeze bar" / ring combo. The left "cabin" has a set of cedar stairs that allow access to the upper deck and bridge to the upper deck of the right "cabin" The left cabin features a light switch which turns all the 12V DC lighting in each cabin on or off. It also has a cedar staircase to the upper level, a PVC "sound pipe" that allows two people to talk into it, a magnetic board for play magnets, access to the ball pit slide, and a cool "button box" that is programmed with different animal noises depending on which button is pressed. The right cabin is a combination kitchen / grocery store and puppet show area and contains all the related toys and details expected in such an area. The bamboo siding edges and corners are sourced from Texture Plus, who specialize in faux siding materials.

Tuscan beige floor living room photo in Los Angeles with brown walls and a standard fireplace

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Photo: Marni Epstein-Mervis © 2018 Houzz
Example of a 1950s living room design in Los Angeles

“People tend to want to place their sofas right against the wall,” Lovett says. “I always try to float the sofa a bit and give the sofa some breathing room. Here, we didn’t have floor outlets or any eye-level lighting. Incorporating table lamps allows for mood lighting and ambiance. We placed a console behind the sofa to bring in large-scale lamps, which also helped fill in the negative space between the sofa and the bottom of the windows.” Photography: Amy Bartlam