Search results for "Poor functionality" in Home Design Ideas

These homeowners were ready to completely transform their master bathroom. The existing space felt cramped and outdated, with an impractical linen closet, a small vanity, poor lighting, a bulky tub, and a shower that had seen better days. Their vision was clear—they wanted a warm, inviting, spa-inspired retreat with natural elements, rich textures, and a unique wood feature wall, rather than the all-white look that has become so common.
The finished design brings that vision to life through a beautiful blend of color, texture, and thoughtful details. A stunning cherry vanity and counter stack, topped with luxurious quartzite countertops, create warmth and elegance. The feature wall, finished in 1" x 3" Articulo tile, adds depth and visual interest, while large-format floor tiles provide a clean, modern foundation.
The curbless shower features coordinating hex tile flooring and niches, complemented by porcelain slab walls and glass panels that create an open, airy feel. A spacious freestanding tub offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. To maximize functionality, the doorway was relocated to accommodate a larger vanity, and custom barn and closet doors were added to enhance the room's character.
Programmable lighting tailored to the homeowners' lifestyle, along with a custom wood feature wall designed to showcase decorative plants, transformed a once-empty wall into a stunning focal point. What was once a dreaded space is now a beautiful spa-like retreat and one of the homeowners' favorite rooms in the house.

After moving into a luxurious home in Ashburn, Virginia, the homeowners decided the master bathroom needed to be revamped. The existing whirlpool tub was far too big, the shower too small and the make-up area poorly designed.
From a functional standpoint, they wanted lots of storage, his and her separate vanities with a large make-up area, better lighting, a large steam shower and a vaulted ceiling. Aesthetics were also important, however, and the lady of the house had always dreamed of having a Venetian style spa.
Taking some space from an adjacent closet has allowed for a much larger shower stall with an arched transom window letting plenty of natural light into the space. Using various sizes of tumbled limestone to build its walls, it includes a rain shower head, a hand shower and body sprayers. A seating bench and storage niches make it easier to use.
New plumbing was put in place to add a large vanity with upper glass cabinets for the man of the house, while one corner of the space was used to create a make-up desk complete with a seamless mirror and embedded sconce lights
A free standing Neapolitan-style soaking tub with fluted columns and arched header is the real focal point of this space. Set among large corner windows, under a stylish chandelier, this elegant design sets this bathroom apart from any bathroom in its category.

When this family came to us, they loved their home — but their bathrooms were failing them. The kids' bathroom had a non-functioning tub, a serious problem with two young children in the house. The primary bathroom was battling an active shower leak, a poor layout, and finishes well past their prime. Both spaces needed to be gutted. We got to work.
The Primary Bath: Elevated, Effortless, Unmistakably Theirs
Our clients arrived with a clear vision and a beautiful, refined sense of style. The layout was reconfigured from the ground up, and at the heart of the room sits a custom double vanity in a soft, sophisticated sage, topped with a stunning marble countertop and coordinating backsplash. Paired with elegant walnut-framed mirrors, a sculptural black and brass sconce, and wall-mounted polished nickel faucets, the vanity wall is a showpiece. Custom woven shades add warmth without sacrificing light.
The walk-in shower delivers — floor-to-ceiling white subway tile, a mosaic marble floor, transom windows, and frameless glass. Schluter DITRA radiant floor heating adds the kind of quiet luxury you feel every morning. Both marble surfaces were professionally sealed with StoneGuard to protect the investment for the long haul.
The Kids' Bath: Cheerful, Timeless, Built to Last
The girls' bathroom is designed with just as much intention as any room in the house. A warm white oak vanity with marble countertop anchors the space, paired with an antique brass-framed mirror and raspberry custom sconce shades that bring personality without being precious. A botanical-print Roman shade layers in pattern and charm.
The fully rebuilt tub-shower features wall-to-wall white subway tile, polished nickel fixtures, and a beautiful geometric floor tile in cream and warm taupe. A glass-front wall cabinet keeps things tidy, and tile wainscoting wraps the room for durability where it counts. Schluter DITRA radiant heat runs underfoot here too — because warm floors aren't just for adults.
Two bathrooms. Completely distinct. Completely intentional. Built for a family that already loved their home — and loves it even more now.
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The homeowner’s goal for this kitchen remodel was to improve functionality and increase the home’s value. The existing kitchen was old and needed an update – cabinets were falling apart, the downdraft on the Jenn-Air range made it difficult to cook items correctly, there was little to no storage, lighting was insufficient. A poor layout dominated by a hook-shaped peninsula inhibited the ability to work efficiently

This large space did not function well for this family of 6. The cabinetry they had did not go to the ceiling and offered very poor storage options. The island that existed was tiny in comparrison to the space.
By taking the cabinets to the ceiling, enlarging the island and adding large pantry's we were able to achieve the storage needed. Then the fun began, all of the decorative details that make this space so stunning. Beautiful tile for the backsplash and a custom metal hood. Lighting and hardware to complement the hood.
Then, the vintage runner and natural wood elements to make the space feel more homey.

The homeowner’s goal for this kitchen remodel was to improve functionality and increase the home’s value. The existing kitchen was old and needed an update – cabinets were falling apart, the downdraft on the Jenn-Air range made it difficult to cook items correctly, there was little to no storage, lighting was insufficient. A poor layout dominated by a hook-shaped peninsula inhibited the ability to work efficiently

This home had dated and falling apart finishes, an insignificant fireplace in a giant living room, and a poor layout in the family room. Not to mention the primary bath covered in bamboo wallpaper.
The clients wanted a functional, updated and good-looking kitchen, a more adult family room, an updated serene primary bath. The remaining baths to be updated and modern. And, to make it feel like a holistic update, they wanted a welcoming staircase/entry.
As with most clients, stretching their dollar as far as possible was important. They didn't want to enlarge any footprint or move walls - we had to stay within existing bounds. With a whole home remodel costs can add up quickly depending on where we start & stop. For this family it made sense to do all the work at once to avoid repeat remodels. It was either buy new and still have to customize, or remodel to their exact needs and wants. The remodel was more affordable and made just for them.
Many finishes are clean, simple, and modern. A window was removed! in the family room to allow for a symmetrical entertainment center. A dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace surround was created in the Living room. The staircase was totally redone in both shape and style! The primary bath was reworked to get a two-person shower, and soaking tub. Serene /quiet finishes in the primary helped achieve a mellow /calming atmosphere. All new doors and trim throughout.

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Tuscan design using a burnished & glazed finish on oak cabinets by Wood-Mode. The columns either side of the range pull out with spice and bottle storage behind. The curved profile of the top drawer-heads extends around the kitchen.
When the homeowners decided to move from San Francisco to the Central Coast, they were looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, a unique place to call their own, and an environment conducive to raising their young children. They found it all in San Luis Obispo. They had owned a house here in SLO for several years that they had used as a rental. As the homeowners own and run a contracting business and relocation was not impossible, they decided to move their business and make this SLO rental into their dream home.
As a rental, the house was in a bare-bones condition. The kitchen had old white cabinets, boring white tile counters, and a horrendous vinyl tile floor. Not only was the kitchen out-of-date and old-fashioned, it was also pretty worn out. The tiles were cracking and the grout was stained, the cabinet doors were sagging, and the appliances were conflicting (ie: you could not open the stove and dishwasher at the same time).
To top it all off, the kitchen was just too small for the custom home the homeowners wanted to create.
Thus enters San Luis Kitchen. At the beginning of their quest to remodel, the homeowners visited San Luis Kitchen’s showroom and fell in love with our Tuscan Grotto display. They sat down with our designers and together we worked out the scope of the project, the budget for cabinetry and how that fit into their overall budget, and then we worked on the new design for the home starting with the kitchen.
As the homeowners felt the kitchen was cramped, it was decided to expand by moving the window wall out onto the existing porch. Besides the extra space gained, moving the wall brought the kitchen window out from under the porch roof – increasing the natural light available in the space. (It really helps when the homeowner both understands building and can do his own contracting and construction.) A new arched window and stone clad wall now highlights the end of the kitchen. As we gained wall space, we were able to move the range and add a plaster hood, creating a focal nice focal point for the kitchen.
The other long wall now houses a Sub-Zero refrigerator and lots of counter workspace. Then we completed the kitchen by adding a wrap-around wet bar extending into the old dining space. We included a pull-out pantry unit with open shelves above it, wine cubbies, a cabinet for glassware recessed into the wall, under-counter refrigerator drawers, sink base and trash cabinet, along with a decorative bookcase cabinet and bar seating. Lots of function in this corner of the kitchen; a bar for entertaining and a snack station for the kids.
After the kitchen design was finalized and ordered, the homeowners turned their attention to the rest of the house. They asked San Luis Kitchen to help with their master suite, a guest bath, their home control center (essentially a deck tucked under the main staircase) and finally their laundry room. Here are the photos:
I wish I could show you the rest of the house. The homeowners took a poor rental house and turned it into a showpiece! They added custom concrete floors, unique fiber optic lighting, large picture windows, and much more. There is now an outdoor kitchen complete with pizza oven, an outdoor shower and exquisite garden. They added a dedicated dog run to the side yard for their pooches and a rooftop deck at the very peak. Such a fun house.

Client desire:
Bring back the original splendor of the master bathroom in her 1905 four-square mansion, including a low profile bathtub for her mother, a separate shower for herself, and plenty of storage.
Design challenges:
The bathroom had been part of a poorly constructed 1960’s addition with a narrow passage and a substandard foundation resulting in a room that was always too cold. The original part of the house had a foot of concrete for the sub-flooring so we were unsure about the ability to move fixtures. The window size and location had to remain fixed due to architectural details on the outside of the home.
Solutions:
We removed the addition subfloor to repair the weak footings and added closed cell insulation. We widened the passage and added a floor to ceiling armoire and shallow base cabinets with a curved end for storage. Inside one of the base cabinets we concealed a new larger radiator and we added in-floor heat. Functionality and flow were improved by switching the placement of the vanity and bathtub. The arched doors throughout the house were the inspiration for the curved glass shower door, arched medicine cabinet, and curved cabinetry. The antique wall sconces were purchased by the homeowner on her quest to find lighting in keeping with the era of the home. But the pièce de résistance is the beautiful Carrera marble and basket weave tile flooring achieved by a master tilesetter who worked meticulously to create the perfect result from my design.

Here’s a polished paragraph for you:
We took what was once a poorly finished flipper’s space and transformed it into a properly built, functional laundry room and bathroom designed with this growing family in mind. With a newborn on the way, every detail mattered — from creating an open, accessible layout for effortless laundry, to building a comfortable, safe area to bathe the baby. Thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and smart planning came together to deliver a space that not only works beautifully today, but will make life easier for this family as they continue to grow.

After more than 30 years in their 1990 Sammamish home, these homeowners were ready to update their primary suite. They had worked with contractors in the past and had dealt with poor workmanship, inaccurate measurements, budget overruns, and a design process that didn’t reflect what they wanted. This time, they were looking for a contractor who would listen, communicate clearly, and provide accurate pricing.
Lakeville started with a detailed preconstruction process. We reviewed the scope with the homeowners, gathered subcontractor pricing, and walked through the estimate line by line before construction began.
The primary bathroom was updated without replacing everything. The existing cabinets were in good condition, so they were refreshed. We raised the shower ceiling, replaced the original whirlpool tub, added heated tile floors, and installed a Grundfos SCALA2 booster pump to improve water pressure. Warm brushed-gold fixtures, large-format porcelain tile, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster walls, Greek Villa millwork, and Stratus Prime Acropolis quartz bring the new finishes together.
The adjoining primary closet was also remodeled with a custom storage system that includes accessory storage, a two-bag slide-out hamper, valet rod, and charging station.
Behind the walls, the project included new electrical circuits for the heated floors, smart thermostat, and booster pump. The existing bathroom presented a few challenges, including finding a specialty corner bypass shower enclosure that would fit the space.
In the primary bedroom, the existing carpet was replaced with hardwood flooring matched to the floors throughout the rest of the home.
The project was completed on time and on budget, with a finished primary suite that reflects what the homeowners wanted from the start: a comfortable, functional space and a contractor they could trust.

After more than 30 years in their 1990 Sammamish home, these homeowners were ready to update their primary suite. They had worked with contractors in the past and had dealt with poor workmanship, inaccurate measurements, budget overruns, and a design process that didn’t reflect what they wanted. This time, they were looking for a contractor who would listen, communicate clearly, and provide accurate pricing.
Lakeville started with a detailed preconstruction process. We reviewed the scope with the homeowners, gathered subcontractor pricing, and walked through the estimate line by line before construction began.
The primary bathroom was updated without replacing everything. The existing cabinets were in good condition, so they were refreshed. We raised the shower ceiling, replaced the original whirlpool tub, added heated tile floors, and installed a Grundfos SCALA2 booster pump to improve water pressure. Warm brushed-gold fixtures, large-format porcelain tile, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster walls, Greek Villa millwork, and Stratus Prime Acropolis quartz bring the new finishes together.
The adjoining primary closet was also remodeled with a custom storage system that includes accessory storage, a two-bag slide-out hamper, valet rod, and charging station.
Behind the walls, the project included new electrical circuits for the heated floors, smart thermostat, and booster pump. The existing bathroom presented a few challenges, including finding a specialty corner bypass shower enclosure that would fit the space.
In the primary bedroom, the existing carpet was replaced with hardwood flooring matched to the floors throughout the rest of the home.
The project was completed on time and on budget, with a finished primary suite that reflects what the homeowners wanted from the start: a comfortable, functional space and a contractor they could trust.

After more than 30 years in their 1990 Sammamish home, these homeowners were ready to update their primary suite. They had worked with contractors in the past and had dealt with poor workmanship, inaccurate measurements, budget overruns, and a design process that didn’t reflect what they wanted. This time, they were looking for a contractor who would listen, communicate clearly, and provide accurate pricing.
Lakeville started with a detailed preconstruction process. We reviewed the scope with the homeowners, gathered subcontractor pricing, and walked through the estimate line by line before construction began.
The primary bathroom was updated without replacing everything. The existing cabinets were in good condition, so they were refreshed. We raised the shower ceiling, replaced the original whirlpool tub, added heated tile floors, and installed a Grundfos SCALA2 booster pump to improve water pressure. Warm brushed-gold fixtures, large-format porcelain tile, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster walls, Greek Villa millwork, and Stratus Prime Acropolis quartz bring the new finishes together.
The adjoining primary closet was also remodeled with a custom storage system that includes accessory storage, a two-bag slide-out hamper, valet rod, and charging station.
Behind the walls, the project included new electrical circuits for the heated floors, smart thermostat, and booster pump. The existing bathroom presented a few challenges, including finding a specialty corner bypass shower enclosure that would fit the space.
In the primary bedroom, the existing carpet was replaced with hardwood flooring matched to the floors throughout the rest of the home.
The project was completed on time and on budget, with a finished primary suite that reflects what the homeowners wanted from the start: a comfortable, functional space and a contractor they could trust.

The family's once-loved home had become a source of frustration. Their kitchen, a space meant for gathering and creating, felt cramped and outdated. Limited storage and poor organization made meal prep a tedious task, and entertaining guests a logistical nightmare. The laundry room, often overlooked, was equally problematic. Its cramped layout and lack of storage made laundry day a chore, and the noise of the washing machine echoed through the living room.
To compound the issue, the absence of dedicated office spaces made working from home a constant struggle. One makeshift office was squeezed into the dining room, while another was relegated to the basement.
The family was hesitant to embark on a major renovation, fearing the challenges and uncertainties that come with such a project. Finding a reliable contractor, ensuring timely completion, and worrying about potential shoddy workmanship were all valid concerns.
We understood their anxieties and were committed to providing a smooth and stress-free experience. Our team crafted a design that addressed each of their concerns, transforming their home into a functional and stylish space.
We reimagined the laundry room, creating a custom storage solution and incorporating a stackable washer and dryer. The open hallway to the living room was enclosed, creating a spacious closet with ample storage. The laundry room now seamlessly connected to the kitchen, simplifying the grocery unloading process.
A former juliette balcony was converted into a dedicated office space, providing a peaceful and productive work-from-home environment.
The dated and cluttered ensuite bathroom received a luxurious makeover. A clever pull-out storage system in the shower wall and a spacious niche provided much-needed organization.
While every renovation project has its challenges, this one was remarkably smooth. The only significant hurdle was some additional structural work required in the basement to support the new office space. Our experienced team handled this efficiently, minimizing any disruption.
The final result is a home that truly reflects the family's personality and lifestyle. The laundry room, now a cheerful and organized space with soft green cabinets, patterned floor tiles, and gold accents, showcases our attention to detail.
The kitchen is a stunning centerpiece, featuring a striking combination of blue and white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, and a sleek white backsplash. The adjacent beverage bar, with its glass-fronted upper cabinets, provides an elegant space for entertaining.
The ensuite bathroom is a spa-like retreat, with large-format marble tiles, a black vanity, and chrome fixtures creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
The renovation has had a profound impact on the family's daily life. Ample storage throughout the house has banished clutter, making it easier to maintain a tidy home. The seamless flow from the laundry room to the kitchen has streamlined the grocery unloading process, and the dedicated office spaces have transformed the work-from-home experience.
Beyond the physical transformation, it was the shared moments and laughter that made this project truly special. The family's enthusiasm and good humor were contagious. One of the clients, with his big personality, even starred in a walk-through video of the finished project, showcasing his infectious joy.
From choosing tiles to navigating unexpected challenges, the entire process was filled with warmth and collaboration. Even their four-year-old son, initially shy, warmed up to our site leader, Gus, nicknaming him "Gus the Bus," a moniker that endeared him to the entire team.

With poor air circulation being an issue in the basement, we custom designed, and fabricated a steel grate to sit atop it's stone wall frame to create a highly functional window well. It allows for unrestricted access in and out of the home, and also accents the arcs of the patio, and truly becomes a very unique focal point to the space.

At Driveways by Design, safety and functionality are paramount to us. Peace of mind that your vehicle will enter and exit in a forward position, eliminating unwanted turns, blind spots, or backing out onto busy streets, all are priceless. When designing a driveway, it’s not just about the proper materials, the latest trends, style, colors, but it is also about the impact on the household, environment, and infrastructure. Nowadays many factors affect the daily life of south floridians, i.e. the heat island effect, some cities no longer allow circular driveways (zoning codes have become very restrictive about the amount that can be paved in order to mitigate the heat island effect,) construction happening all over our city, poor transportation systems, a turntable can truly enhance our daily experience, making it easier to exit our homes, no more agglomerations of traffic, or concrete trucks backing out, and no more worries about children or pets running unexpectedly behind the car. Designed by Shosh vant Verlaat and installed/maintained by Driveways by Design, the Car Turntable is ideal for residential and commercial applications, and will maximize the use of space, improve driver's visibility, as well as add value to your property.

The homeowner’s goal for this kitchen remodel was to improve functionality and increase the home’s value. The existing kitchen was old and needed an update – cabinets were falling apart, the downdraft on the Jenn-Air range made it difficult to cook items correctly, there was little to no storage, lighting was insufficient. A poor layout dominated by a hook-shaped peninsula inhibited the ability to work efficiently

A must see before and after kitchen. What was a drab brown kitchen before with a not-so-functional layout, we have completely opened up the space, by removing a peninsula and a poorly used pantry space and added a large floating island and slide-out pantry storage instead. Now this bright and open space now feels fresh, clean and expansive.

A must see before and after kitchen. What was a drab brown kitchen before with a not-so-functional layout, we have completely opened up the space, by removing a peninsula and a poorly used pantry space and added a large floating island and slide-out pantry storage instead. Now this bright and open space now feels fresh, clean and expansive.

These homeowners were ready to completely transform their master bathroom. The existing space felt cramped and outdated, with an impractical linen closet, a small vanity, poor lighting, a bulky tub, and a shower that had seen better days. Their vision was clear—they wanted a warm, inviting, spa-inspired retreat with natural elements, rich textures, and a unique wood feature wall, rather than the all-white look that has become so common.
The finished design brings that vision to life through a beautiful blend of color, texture, and thoughtful details. A stunning cherry vanity and counter stack, topped with luxurious quartzite countertops, create warmth and elegance. The feature wall, finished in 1" x 3" Articulo tile, adds depth and visual interest, while large-format floor tiles provide a clean, modern foundation.
The curbless shower features coordinating hex tile flooring and niches, complemented by porcelain slab walls and glass panels that create an open, airy feel. A spacious freestanding tub offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. To maximize functionality, the doorway was relocated to accommodate a larger vanity, and custom barn and closet doors were added to enhance the room's character.
Programmable lighting tailored to the homeowners' lifestyle, along with a custom wood feature wall designed to showcase decorative plants, transformed a once-empty wall into a stunning focal point. What was once a dreaded space is now a beautiful spa-like retreat and one of the homeowners' favorite rooms in the house.
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