The decision to remodel your kitchen isn't one to take lightly. But, if you really don't enjoy spending time there, it may be time for a change. That was the situation facing the owners of this remodeled kitchen, says interior designer Vernon Applegate. "The old kitchen was dismal," he says. "It was small, cramped and outdated, with low ceilings and a style that reminded me of the early ‘80s." It was also some way from what the owners – a young couple – wanted. They were looking for a contemporary open-plan kitchen and family room where they could entertain guests and, in the future, keep an eye on their children. Two sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators were on their wish list, along with storage space for appliances and other equipment. Applegate's first task was to open up and increase the space by demolishing some walls and raising the height of the ceiling. "The house sits on a steep ravine. The original architect's plans for the house were missing, so we needed to be sure which walls were structural and which were decorative," he says. With the walls removed and the ceiling height increased by 18 inches, the new kitchen is now three times the size of the original galley kitchen. The main work area runs along the back of the kitchen, with an island providing additional workspace and a place for guests to linger. A color palette of dark blues and reds was chosen for the walls and backsplashes. Black was used for the kitchen island top and back. "Blue provides a sense of intimacy, and creates a contrast with the bright living and dining areas, which have lots of natural light coming through their large windows," he says. "Blue also works as a restful backdrop for anyone watching the large screen television in the kitchen." A mottled red backsplash adds to the intimate tone and makes the walls seem to pop out, especially around the range hood, says Applegate. From the family room, the black of the kitchen island provides a visual break between the two spaces. "I wanted to avoid people's eyes going straight to the cabinetry, so I extended the black countertop down to the back of the island to form a negative space and divide the two areas," he says. "The kitchen is now the axis of the whole public space in the house. From there you can see the dining room, living room and family room, as well as views of the hills and the water beyond." Cabinets : Custom rift sawn white oak, cerused dyed glaze Countertops : Absolute black granite, polished Flooring : Oak/driftwood grey from Gammapar Bar stools : Techno with arms, walnut color Lighting : Policelli Backsplash : Red dragon marble Sink : Stainless undermountby Blanco Faucets : Grohe Hot water system : InSinkErator Oven : Jade Cooktop : Independent Hoods, custom Microwave : GE Monogram Refrigerator : Jade Dishwasher : Miele, Touchtronic anniversary Limited Edition

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Example of a huge trendy formal porcelain tile and gray floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, no tv and a metal fireplace

Lisa Petrole
Inspiration for a contemporary galley kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash and an island

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Game room - mid-sized contemporary open concept porcelain tile and gray floor game room idea in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Living room - large modern open concept porcelain tile living room idea in San Francisco with a bar, white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Interior Designers Firm in Miami Beach Florida, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL NEWCOMB, PALM BEACH GARDENS. Garden Area A quick look into the outdoor garden area reveals ergonomic furniture and beautiful Buddhist designs, all intended to give you peace and serenity whether you’re going for a morning stroll or passing through after a hard day at work. The garden is surrounded by a glass barrier and is accessible via a ramp, built with a stone walkway that matches the décor and keeps the immersion alive. On the left, upon entering the area, you will see several clean, white vases set against the beautiful garden backdrop and is accompanied by several potted trees, all of which reflect the beautiful atmosphere that Miami Beach has to offer. Further into the garden you have a sitting area with perfectly ergonomic furniture designed to let you relax, and forget about the troubles of the day. Even a quick walk through this garden is going to do a great job of putting you at peace, and it’s a great place to relax after a long, hard day at the office. Finally, the space does a great job of maintaining a natural appearance while integrating nature with just the right amount of pavement, flanked by just the right amount of grass. A barefoot stroll through this small, but relaxing garden is definitely going to be in order. J Design Group, Miami Beach Interior Designers – Miami, FL 225 Malaga Ave. Coral Gables, Fl 33134 305-444-4611 https://www.JDesignGroup.com

Photo: Lisa Petrol
Inspiration for a large transitional 3/4 blue tile and subway tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, a trough sink, solid surface countertops and a one-piece toilet

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Inspiration for a large modern built-in desk porcelain tile study room remodel in San Francisco with white walls

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Example of a huge minimalist eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Lisa Petrole
Example of a minimalist living room design in San Francisco

This entry is the key to the contemporary style of this space.It actually is a narrow angular hallway that opens up to a large open space surrounded by windows. Both mirrors and floating shelves were designed by Francine Gardner for Interieurs design Studio, utilizing waxed steel and black laquered steel. Photo by Lisa Petrole

Fire - damaged one car garage was converted to a studio for a small business in Cambridge, Maryland. Door opening converted to large bright box bay window to add floor space. Interior subdivided into office and work space.

A nice spot for all your tools...and in case you forget where they belong, it is cut out for you!
Trendy shed photo in Chicago

3 car garage and workshop in Linkwood, Maryland, with loft apartment above.
Large elegant detached three-car garage workshop photo in Baltimore

This eclectic living space features the homeowners collected artifacts by incorporating a modern foundation with whimsical pops of color and bold patterns throughout. This space is chock full of treasure holding a treat for the eye at every turn.

Family in need of more space converted their attached 2 car garage into a new family/play room. Convenient to the kitchen and laundry, we bumped out the 16' garage door opening and raised the floor to meet the interior spaces. Bump out finished as a nice bright bay window.

In the kitchen we used high-gloss white cabinets and white quartz composite countertops for a clean, modern look. The backsplash is plate glass as is the backside of the island. We added a touch of color with turquoise bookshelves at the edge of the pantry wall. A Miele appliance suite with a built-in espresso machine complete the high tech space. To keep the space airy and bring in natural light we installed transom windows above the cabinets. Photo: Eric Roth

This is an example of an eclectic full sun landscaping in Boston.

Only a handful of artisans on the island of Murano have the technical knowledge and expertise required to produce something like this. This is why an all glass coffee table such as this one is extremely short in supply. The making of each Miniforms Soda table starts with one unique piece of Murano blown glass. It is placed in a Murano furnace where each table is blown, drawn-out and shaped by three master glass-makers. They are equipped with a complex system of burners to keep the same temperature throughout the mold, which is essential to creating a hammered feeling to the texture. The result is a single volume of glass with three large petals forming the stem. The rippling texture of the Soda table showcases class and ethereal beauty, and the uniqueness of the glass provides extraordinary effects of light and shadow. The glass coffee table is available in amber and petrol green. The Soda table by Yiannis Ghikas expresses the excellence in creativity, technology and research. Made in Italy