Photos by Langdon Clay

What had been a very cramped, awkward master bathroom layout that barely accommodated one person became a spacious double vanity, double shower and master closet.

Michael K~
Example of a mid-sized classic dark wood floor hallway design in Portland with multicolored walls

Lance Gerber, Nuvue Interactive, LLC
Inspiration for a huge 1950s master multicolored tile porcelain tile walk-in shower remodel with white walls

Modern home with board form concrete
Mid-sized contemporary gray two-story concrete flat roof idea in Denver

Example of a large gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile sauna design in Raleigh with laminate countertops and blue walls

THE SETUP Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment. Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout. Design Objectives: Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor. Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency. Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space. Design Challenges: The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design. Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout. Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction. The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient. Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic. The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded. Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space. Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors. The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements. The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy. The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

Living room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room library idea in Toronto with white walls and no tv

Large minimalist tile u-shaped staircase photo in Vancouver with tile risers

Example of a mid-sized classic gender-neutral slate floor and black floor reach-in closet design in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Small elegant underground cork floor and brown floor home design photo with beige walls and no fireplace

600 sq. foot Master Bedroom addition in Danville, California. [ Includes Master Suite, Master Bathroom, Master Walk-in Closet. ] Master Bathroom with Hidden Shower Drain.

3 hole 8" inch widespread faucet and Mirror included Certification: CE Material: Marble Warranty: More than 1 years After-sale Service: Online technical support Width: 23-25 in Project Solution Capability: graphic design Application: Hotel Design Style: Modern Model Number: BELLA-1200 Style: Modern Type: Vanity Combo Installation Type: Floor Mounted, Floor Mounted Carcase Material: Plywood, Plywood Door Material: Plywood, Plywood Door Panel Surface Treatment: Lacquer, Lacquer Include Basin: Yes, Yes Include Faucet: NO Shape: rectangle Product Type: Floor Stand Bathroom Cabinet Door Finish: Melamine Board Available Size: 1000,1200,1600mm Structure Material: plywood Hardware: DTC Countertop Material: Artificial STONE Mirror: LED MIRROR INCLUDED Color Option: BLUE Drainer: P Trap INCLUDED

CLOSE-UP VIEW This master bath makeover starts with bare walls that have been floated out smooth over the sheetrock. Then we hand applied a beautiful custom tinted, soft grey Venetian plaster. After two coats of plaster, the walls were waxed and buffed. This process seals the plaster, leaving a long-lasting finish. The finished product is subtle and undeniably beautiful! I’ve included a close-up view of the finish below.

Design by Pam Frederick The Kitchen Shop-Jackson Photo by Rebecca Spenelli
Huge transitional master porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in Grand Rapids with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls and an undermount sink

A home built on one of Canada's most beautiful lakes posed a design challenge. The home had originally been built almost directly in opposition to natural light and views to the lake. While most opinions were to tear the existing home down, BLDG Workshop worked closely with the client to recreate the home in a way that opened it up and became more fitting to the site.

The small patterned black and gold wallpaper, faux horn sconces and pagoda mirror create a subtle Asian vibe.
Powder room - mid-sized transitional dark wood floor powder room idea in Raleigh with open cabinets, a two-piece toilet, a vessel sink and wood countertops