Homeowners gut their poorly functioning kitchen and create a more social and stylish space with an island and new cabinetry
Example of a mid-sized urban kitchen design in Cincinnati with raised-panel cabinets, granite countertops and an island

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

We ? bathroom renovations! This initially drab space was so poorly laid-out that it fit only a tiny vanity for a family of four!⁠ Working in the existing footprint, and in a matter of a few weeks, we were able to design and renovate this space to accommodate a double vanity (SO important when it is the only bathroom in the house!). In addition, we snuck in a private toilet room for added functionality. Now this bath is a stunning workhorse!⁠

A well-designed office may cost a little more, but it is much cheaper than a poorly designed one. A non-functioning office wastes time and causes frustration because it can hinder basic tasks. #finicwork

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

fantastic transformation of a cramped, dark, poorly functioning kitchen into an open pass-through space.
Inspiration for a huge eclectic medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Boston with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an island, a drop-in sink and stainless steel appliances

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

Kimberley Bryan A mid-century, unstaged condo in need of a fast sale. Focused on showing its well-maintained building characteristics, its compact yet very functional kitchen, and its good flow. Challenges: Unstaged, poor light. Result: Sold within several weeks.

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

This custom mosaic caused a few headaches for the tile installer, (and the poor guy that had to cut and assemble all of these tiles!) but in the end, it was so worth it!

This reimagined library, started its life as a gloomy, cluttered space with dark paneled walls, poor lighting, heavy drapes, and poor storage. The homeowners not only envisioned a lighter, more functional space, they embraced fresh ideas to accomplish their goals. Paint the wood walls? Check! Upgrade recessed lighting? Check! Re-stain wood floors to tone down the “orange”? Check! The wonderful collaboration coupled with the homeowners incredible artwork gave way to the light, airy, and, most importantly, functional space they craved.

Kimberley Bryan A mid-century, unstaged condo in need of a fast sale. Focused on showing its well-maintained building characteristics, its compact yet very functional kitchen, and its good flow. Challenges: Unstaged, poor light. Result: Sold within several weeks.

We ? bathroom renovations! This initially drab space was so poorly laid-out that it fit only a tiny vanity for a family of four!⁠ Working in the existing footprint, and in a matter of a few weeks, we were able to design and renovate this space to accommodate a double vanity (SO important when it is the only bathroom in the house!). In addition, we snuck in a private toilet room for added functionality. Now this bath is a stunning workhorse!⁠

This remodeled kitchen transforms the dark existing kitchen that has poor functionality and flow into a gracious and inviting modern kitchen. Design by: Dawn Christine, Architect Photographs by: Kristi Eastman Photography shutterstopshere@gmail.com

By reconfiguring the wall and installing wide sliding doors, the master closet now offers full visual and physical access across the entire storage area, dramatically improving functionality and ease of use.

A timeless kitchen designed by Ron Fisher with three different countertops and two islands blends seamlessly into this beautiful home in Cheshire Connecticut.

Before Photo | existing patio was sloped poorly and too small for functional use as dining area | Photo by Michele Kruegel
Inspiration for a small timeless backyard decomposed granite patio remodel in Chicago