Search results for "Personalized support" in Home Design Ideas

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle.
At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication.
The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware.
The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space.
Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings.
What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition.
The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.

Kitchen in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

River Homes
Civic, Pedestrian, and Personal Scale
Our urban design strategy to create a modern, traditional neighborhood centered around three distinct yet connected levels of scale – civic, pedestrian, and personal.
The civic connection with the city, the Milwaukee River and the adjacent Kilbourn Park was addressed via the main thoroughfare, street extensions and the River Walk. The relationship to pedestrian scale was achieved by fronting each building to its corresponding street or river edge. Utilizing elevated entries and main living levels provides a non-intimidating distinction between public and private. The open, loft-like qualities of each individual living unit, coupled with the historical context of the tract supports the personal scale of the design.
The Beerline “mini-block” – patterned after a typical city block - is configured to allow for each individual building to address its respective street or river edge while creating an internal alley or “auto court”. The river-facing units, each with four levels of living space, incorporate rooftop garden terraces which serve as natural, sunlit pavilions in an urban setting.
In an effort to integrate our typical urban neighborhood with the context of an industrial corridor, we relied upon thoughtful connections to materials such as brick, stucco, and fine woods, thus creating a feeling of refined elegance in balance with the “sculpture” of the historic warehouses across the Milwaukee River.
Urban Diversity
The Beerline River Homes provide a walkable connection to the city, the beautiful Milwaukee River, and the surrounding environs. The diversity of these custom homes is evident not only in the unique association of the units to the specific “edges” each one addresses, but also in the diverse range of pricing from the accessible to the high-end. This project has elevated a typically developer-driven market into a striking urban design product.
Find the right local pro for your project

For years, this family felt like their main floor was working against them. The kitchen was a tight galley where only one person could comfortably stand at a time. An old addition felt disconnected and awkward, making everyday life a struggle.
Rethinking the Space
They thought the only solution was a big, expensive addition. But after walking through the home and completing a feasibility study, we found that the square footage was already there. It just needed a smarter plan.
Designing a Floor That Works
We reimagined how the home works day to day. The kitchen became a bright, open hub with a generous island perfect for cooking, homework, and family time. Awkward corners were given clear and useful purposes. A long steel span replaced an exterior wall that could not carry the load, opening the space safely and effectively.
Personal Touches
We made sure the house reflected the family. A custom basement door with a built-in cat door adds charm and function, and cat-shaped handles in the laundry room bring personality throughout the home. Even the piano room feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in.
A Home That Flows
Now, multiple people can cook together comfortably. The rooms feel connected and welcoming. The previously awkward addition feels fully integrated. Daily life flows naturally, and the house finally supports the family instead of working against them.
Discover the Potential in Your Home
If your kitchen does not work or a space feels off, there may be more potential than you realize. Sometimes the right solution is already within your walls. Reach out to us, and see what your home could become!
Sosna Incorporated
7250 Keele Street, Unit 372
Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8
Phone: 416-888-7366 extension 1
Email: contact@sosna.ca

Morning routines shouldn’t involve a traffic jam at the sink. The 2025 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study found that 65 percent of U.S. renovators now choose a double-sink vanity to skip the wait. Designers agree: Titan Builders dubbed 2025 “the year of bigger, storage-packed double vanities,” forecasting dual-basin setups in family, guest, and even powder baths. As KBIS 2025 launches land, prototypes for 2026 layer in spa-grade wood, built-in outlets, and planet-friendly finishes. In this guide, we rank six standout models and show you how to size, install, and enjoy a clutter-free, two-sink future.
Methodology and selection criteria
A well-planned double-sink vanity keeps busy morning routines calm and clutter-free.
Before we crowned any winners, we mapped the entire 2024–2026 double-sink (dual-basin) market. That meant parsing KBIS exhibitor releases, scraping bestseller lists from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Wayfair, and reviewing designer short lists in trade magazines. The sweep produced 110 candidate vanities, giving us visibility into every style, price tier, and material in play.
We then scored each model against six weighted factors that continue to matter long after installers leave:
- Build quality – 25 percent.Solid hardwood frames, dovetail drawers, and furniture-grade plywood backs, never particleboard in disguise.
- Design versatility – 20 percent.Lines and finishes that suit modern, classic, or farmhouse baths without dating quickly.
- Sustainability – 15 percent.FSC-certified wood, CARB 2 compliance, and low-VOC finishes for healthier air.
- Storage efficiency – 15 percent.Deep drawers, tilt-outs, or power cubbies that corral countertop clutter.
- Value for money – 15 percent.Fair street price for the materials, stone tops, sinks, and soft-close hardware included.
- Brand reputation and warranty – 10 percent.Manufacturers with responsive support and at least a one-year parts guarantee.
- Footprint: 72 W × 22 D × 36 H in. (183 × 56 × 91 cm)
- Crated weight: 506 lb / 230 kg
- Street price: about $2,575 with marble top and basins, Q4 2025
- Footprint: 48 W × 22 D in. (122 × 56 cm)
- Height: 34.8 in. (88 cm) with backsplash
- Sliding barn door plus 3 drawers
- Pre-drilled 8-in. faucet spacing, sinks included
- Footprint: 60 W × 21 D × 34 H in. (152 × 53 × 86 cm)
- Integrated power: 4 AC + 2 USB, UL-listed
- Crated weight: 300 lb / 136 kg
- Street price: about $2,349 at Home Depot, Q4 2025
- Footprint: 72 W × 22 D in. (183 × 56 cm)
- Height: 34 in. (86 cm) plus 4 in. backsplash
- Counter: 1 in. Carrara marble, apron-front sinks included
- Hardware: oil-rubbed bronze, soft-close doors and drawers
- Footprint: 60 W × 22 D × 34 H in. (152 × 56 × 86 cm)
- Construction: solid poplar and plywood, waterfall quartz top
- Integrated slim power bank, soft-close doors and drawers
- Target price: just under $2,300 with top and basins

Robert Swinburne
metal and wood siding detail
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Boston
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Boston

Transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room photo in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships.
The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in.
This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing!
Photographer: Greg Tinius

Bathroom - small contemporary master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile and black floor bathroom idea in Other with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

A growing family, a rambling Georgian estate. The question: how to imbue tradition with a fresh spirit? The charge was to maintain the idea of old school charm without the interior feeling just… old. An illustration could be found in picture molding (which we added, then painted to disappear into the walls) or a modern plaster sculpture teetering upon an old barrister bookcase. Charm, with a wink.
Photography by John Bessler

The artisan tradition has never been more alluring. Tracing its visual inspiration to factories of the early 20th century, the Artesso Kitchen Collection by Brizo® is a warmer, more refined take on the industrial aesthetic.
Born out of the spirit of the industrial revolution, Artesso combines inspiration from factories and forged metal to farming tools and inventions of the time. These elements give it the unique ability to be rustic and masculine, while still maintaining a sophisticated unexpected allure.

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

Sarah Natsumi
Large elegant master gray tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor bathroom photo in Austin with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door
Large elegant master gray tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor bathroom photo in Austin with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships.
The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in.
This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing!
Photographer: Greg Tinius

"I want people to say 'Wow!' when they walk in to my house" This was our directive for this bachelor's newly purchased home. We accomplished the mission by drafting plans for a significant remodel which included removing walls and columns, opening up the spaces between rooms to create better flow, then adding custom furnishings and original art for a customized unique Wow factor! His Christmas party proved we had succeeded as each person 'wowed!' the spaces! Even more meaningful to us, as Designers, was watching everyone converse in the sitting area, dining room, living room, and around the grand island (12'-6" grand to be exact!) and genuinely enjoy all the fabulous, yet comfortable spaces. Success all around!

The collaboration between architect and interior designer is seen here. The floor plan and layout are by the architect. Cabinet materials and finishes, lighting, and furnishings are by the interior designer. Detailing of the vent hood and raised counter are a collaboration. The raised counter includes a chase on the far side for power.
Photo: Michael Shopenn

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

After. We opened the Kitchen right up! We removed the two walls that previously separated the Kitchen from the formal Sitting and Dining Rooms. By closing the entrance into the Kitchen from the Hallway and Family Room area, we were able to create the perfect wall for a large gas range and hood. Adelphi frameless cabinets painted in the Benjamin Moore color “Dakota Shadow” add a modern touch that is right on trend!

From early planning through permitting and construction, this project required careful decisions to balance preservation with innovation. The clients were particularly keen to maintain the playful and unexpected qualities that give mid-century homes their personality, and we embraced that spirit throughout the design.
Several custom details were carefully engineered to achieve this balance, including a sliding backsplash panel that conceals storage behind a seamless porcelain surface—an element that consistently surprises visitors. The completed space honors the architectural character of the original home while introducing modern functionality, light, and craftsmanship designed to support daily family life
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