Search results for "Poor functionality" in Home Design Ideas

An outdated and poorly functioning master bathroom was transformed into a beautiful, spacious highly functional bathroom for the homeowners who plan to 'age in place'
S Interior Design

Avec Interiors, together with our valued client and builder partner 5blox, rejuvenates a dated and narrow and poorly functioning 90s bathroom. The project culminates in a tranquil sanctuary that epitomizes quiet luxury. The redesign features a custom oak vanity with an integrated hamper and extensive storage, polished nickel finishes, and artfully placed decorative wall niches. Functional elements harmoniously blend with aesthetic details, such as the captivating blue-green shower tile and the charming mini stars and cross tiles adorning both the floor and niches.

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner
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A poorly functioning kitchen was replaced with this updated U-shaped work space. The wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to add to the airy feeling.
Photo by Eric Roth

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can be a headache for many homeowners. They are usually cramped with poor functionality and little storage space. Joe and Kristin suffered all those aches and more, as their laundry room lacked clothing storage. Shoes were crammed in every corner. There was nowhere to fold clothes without taking them to the kitchen. They were ready for a complete laundry room remodel project.
Joe and Kristin interviewed several local remodeling companies but didn’t connect with anyone who could understand their vision. During the summer, when they were attending their son’s race venue, they noticed fellow kart racers Todd and Christine Jurs’ sponsor banner for their remodeling company, Advance Design Studio. Immediately they were thrilled that they knew someone they trusted who could handle the renovation.
“We wanted someone that we actually knew, who has a little bit more invested than an outside person that we don’t have any ties to,” Kristin said.
Project Designer Nicole Ryan came to their home in Warrenville for the initial consultation. Kristin, an avid HGTV viewer, brought her ideas to Nicole. Throughout the design process, they worked together designing the space, selecting materials, and choosing colors. Nicole made sure to incorporate Kristin’s must-haves into the finished laundry room remodel.
“It was really easy. Nicole made the transition very easy,” Kristin said of Nicole’s work in the design phase of the project. With the materials selected and the drawings finalized, it was time to begin construction. Kristin and Joe were impressed with how quickly and cleanly this phase went.
“Everyone that came in was very respectful, very neat, and that was a big part for me because I didn’t want dust going through the rest of my house,” Kristin said.
The new combination mudroom/laundry room is everything Kristin and Joe hoped. There is plenty of storage, three pull-out laundry hampers for presorting laundry, a large central island for folding clothes, a designated bar to hang dry, and even a unique rotating shoe rack to keep shoes from cluttering the space.
“My rotating shoe rack,” Kristin said when asked what her favorite part of her new laundry room was. “We have four kids. We have a lot of shoes and sporting events. So it makes sense to have all that space for shoes.”
The center island has an exceptional feature as well. It has wheels. Kristin wanted to be able to move the island out of the way for different functions in the room. An island with wheels can be placed wherever needed in the space.
The two existing closets were reconfigured with built-in closet storage systems to make them more functional than before with shelves for baskets holding gloves and hats, umbrellas, and coats.
“They love it,” Project Designer Nicole Ryan said. “They had a vision of how they wanted the space to function but didn’t know exactly how to get it there. My design took all their needs and used the most efficient products to get them the desired outcome. Tons of function, while still looking beautiful!”
The “White” Hudson Panel Dura Supreme cabinetry on the perimeter brightens the space and contrasts the popular blue “Gale Force” Dura Supreme cabinetry of the rolling island. The black and white encaustic design porcelain tile backsplash adds visual interest to the room above the white quartz countertops. Additionally, an oil-rubbed bronze bar for hanging clothes is conveniently located above the washer/dryer, and a stainless-steel under-mount sink with a matching Kohler faucet offers perfect functionality.
“I would definitely recommend Advance Design; they’ve been wonderful. They were so helpful. Any little changes we had, they were able to accommodate,” Kristin said.

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

This project consisted of a re-design for an unkempt and poorly-functioning entry garden of a home in Belmont. The primary programmatic elements we incorporated into the new design were an enlarged and better defined parking area, a useable lawn space, a heightened sense of arrival for the main entrance and a seamless circulatory progression from the rear garden to the entry and front lawn.
Scott Carman

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can be a headache for many homeowners. They are usually cramped with poor functionality and little storage space. Joe and Kristin suffered all those aches and more, as their laundry room lacked clothing storage. Shoes were crammed in every corner. There was nowhere to fold clothes without taking them to the kitchen. They were ready for a complete laundry room remodel project.
Joe and Kristin interviewed several local remodeling companies but didn’t connect with anyone who could understand their vision. During the summer, when they were attending their son’s race venue, they noticed fellow kart racers Todd and Christine Jurs’ sponsor banner for their remodeling company, Advance Design Studio. Immediately they were thrilled that they knew someone they trusted who could handle the renovation.
“We wanted someone that we actually knew, who has a little bit more invested than an outside person that we don’t have any ties to,” Kristin said.
Project Designer Nicole Ryan came to their home in Warrenville for the initial consultation. Kristin, an avid HGTV viewer, brought her ideas to Nicole. Throughout the design process, they worked together designing the space, selecting materials, and choosing colors. Nicole made sure to incorporate Kristin’s must-haves into the finished laundry room remodel.
“It was really easy. Nicole made the transition very easy,” Kristin said of Nicole’s work in the design phase of the project. With the materials selected and the drawings finalized, it was time to begin construction. Kristin and Joe were impressed with how quickly and cleanly this phase went.
“Everyone that came in was very respectful, very neat, and that was a big part for me because I didn’t want dust going through the rest of my house,” Kristin said.
The new combination mudroom/laundry room is everything Kristin and Joe hoped. There is plenty of storage, three pull-out laundry hampers for presorting laundry, a large central island for folding clothes, a designated bar to hang dry, and even a unique rotating shoe rack to keep shoes from cluttering the space.
“My rotating shoe rack,” Kristin said when asked what her favorite part of her new laundry room was. “We have four kids. We have a lot of shoes and sporting events. So it makes sense to have all that space for shoes.”
The center island has an exceptional feature as well. It has wheels. Kristin wanted to be able to move the island out of the way for different functions in the room. An island with wheels can be placed wherever needed in the space.
The two existing closets were reconfigured with built-in closet storage systems to make them more functional than before with shelves for baskets holding gloves and hats, umbrellas, and coats.
“They love it,” Project Designer Nicole Ryan said. “They had a vision of how they wanted the space to function but didn’t know exactly how to get it there. My design took all their needs and used the most efficient products to get them the desired outcome. Tons of function, while still looking beautiful!”
The “White” Hudson Panel Dura Supreme cabinetry on the perimeter brightens the space and contrasts the popular blue “Gale Force” Dura Supreme cabinetry of the rolling island. The black and white encaustic design porcelain tile backsplash adds visual interest to the room above the white quartz countertops. Additionally, an oil-rubbed bronze bar for hanging clothes is conveniently located above the washer/dryer, and a stainless-steel under-mount sink with a matching Kohler faucet offers perfect functionality.
“I would definitely recommend Advance Design; they’ve been wonderful. They were so helpful. Any little changes we had, they were able to accommodate,” Kristin said.

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

This client requested that we design her new kitchen space to look and function with her and her family’s usage in mind. She was not happy with her existing kitchen due to builder-grade ceramic flooring, lack of countertop space, poor lighting, inadequate and unorganized storage and the closed off feel of the area. Renovisions resolved all of these issues by designing and building an impressive, transitional styled kitchen; delivering a beautifully well thought-out space that provides a multi-functional approach and meets the needs of this busy and dynamic household.
Typically, we encounter challenges in every project, and this was no different. The upstairs bathroom plumbing ran across the entire length of the kitchen sink wall and it was necessary to work with it by moving the plumbing as far up as possible and then building a soffit to hide it.
Creating a space that has a more open feel was top of mind for our client. Installing a new wood floor that matched the existing dining room floor helped with this and in addition, warmed up the room. By relocating the refrigerator to the opposite wall and adding a bar area at the end toward the family room, the flow of traffic for family members and guests became more managed.
The open floor plan allowed for additional island cabinets to accommodate smart storage and better functionality when prepping meals, sitting to eat or gathering with friends and family. We believe having ample countertop surface space is a critical improvement in any renovation and this particular project now boasts a large countertop area with a stunning wide vein pattern that accentuates the design instead of overpowering it. The soft look of the Blanco Arabescato quartz enhances the space and looks lovely with the white inset styled cabinetry.
Beauty and function go hand-in-hand in this kitchen with several exceptional elements such as under-cabinet lighting with dimmers to control the mood light. Glass doors were added to the wall cabinets which flank the wine rack for displaying their decorative glassware and a beverage cooler below provided added convenience and access to cold beverages. The GE Café line of appliances in ‘Slate’ and ‘Stainless Steel’ finishes are a stunning contrast here.
The sensational looking decorative marble 6”x6” backsplash tile over the gas range and in the bar area creates nice focal points by creating a unique look for her that family and guests love.
Convenient and functional elements were added such as a blind corner pull-out for easier pot/pan storage, a sweep-o-vac under cabinet vacuum system for those constant quick clean-ups, a pull-out caddy under the sink base for storage of cleaning products and a protective mat to collect potential spills.
Our client let us know it was time for a change and we listened. She shared a few pictures she loved from a home magazine, we shared our insight and then designed/built the kitchen of her dreams! … A fabulous and functional space.

This client requested that we design her new kitchen space to look and function with her and her family’s usage in mind. She was not happy with her existing kitchen due to builder-grade ceramic flooring, lack of countertop space, poor lighting, inadequate and unorganized storage and the closed off feel of the area. Renovisions resolved all of these issues by designing and building an impressive, transitional styled kitchen; delivering a beautifully well thought-out space that provides a multi-functional approach and meets the needs of this busy and dynamic household.
Typically, we encounter challenges in every project, and this was no different. The upstairs bathroom plumbing ran across the entire length of the kitchen sink wall and it was necessary to work with it by moving the plumbing as far up as possible and then building a soffit to hide it.
Creating a space that has a more open feel was top of mind for our client. Installing a new wood floor that matched the existing dining room floor helped with this and in addition, warmed up the room. By relocating the refrigerator to the opposite wall and adding a bar area at the end toward the family room, the flow of traffic for family members and guests became more managed.
The open floor plan allowed for additional island cabinets to accommodate smart storage and better functionality when prepping meals, sitting to eat or gathering with friends and family. We believe having ample countertop surface space is a critical improvement in any renovation and this particular project now boasts a large countertop area with a stunning wide vein pattern that accentuates the design instead of overpowering it. The soft look of the Blanco Arabescato quartz enhances the space and looks lovely with the white inset styled cabinetry.
Beauty and function go hand-in-hand in this kitchen with several exceptional elements such as under-cabinet lighting with dimmers to control the mood light. Glass doors were added to the wall cabinets which flank the wine rack for displaying their decorative glassware and a beverage cooler below provided added convenience and access to cold beverages. The GE Café line of appliances in ‘Slate’ and ‘Stainless Steel’ finishes are a stunning contrast here.
The sensational looking decorative marble 6”x6” backsplash tile over the gas range and in the bar area creates nice focal points by creating a unique look for her that family and guests love.
Convenient and functional elements were added such as a blind corner pull-out for easier pot/pan storage, a sweep-o-vac under cabinet vacuum system for those constant quick clean-ups, a pull-out caddy under the sink base for storage of cleaning products and a protective mat to collect potential spills.
Our client let us know it was time for a change and we listened. She shared a few pictures she loved from a home magazine, we shared our insight and then designed/built the kitchen of her dreams! … A fabulous and functional space.

An outdated and poorly functioning master bathroom was transformed into a beautiful, spacious highly functional bathroom for the homeowners who plan to 'age in place'
S Interior Design

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

Our clients had lovingly cared for their home for 16 years. In this small home, space was at a premium and the couple wanted to update this poorly functioning kitchen to match the rest of their Arts & Crafts style home.
Key requirements of this kitchen remodel design included:
- Improved lighting
- Better traffic pattern
- More storage
- Incorporating the Pewabic tile the clients loved
IMPROVED LIGHTING
A new lighting plan for the kitchen included:
- Three pendants over the new island
- Pendant lighting over the sink
- Recessed lights throughout
- Under cabinet lighting
BETTER TRAFFIC PATTERN
The refrigerator was moved from the main walkway to a perimeter wall. Its new location creates one point in the now smaller working triangle.
Prep space was previously scarce and the new island allows two to work in the kitchen without one getting trapped in the corner.
MORE STORAGE
A new island supplies storage that was non-existent before and it creates a place for people to sit and connect.
Although we replaced a slider with a door, we added a pantry cabinet which was also new storage the kitchen did not previously have.
Bulkheads were removed allowing cabinets to extend to the ceiling.
INCORPORATING PEWABIC TILE
Pewabic tile is handcrafted stoneware clay tile that is made in Detroit with a history dating back to 1903. Our clients fell in love with this tile years ago and used it on the landing of their staircase and wanted to incorporate it into the kitchen design.
We decided to let this gorgeous tile take center stage by creating an eye-catching backsplash. The flooring also incorporates details that connect back to the Pewabic tiles used on the walls.
OVERALL RESULTS
The remodeled kitchen has improved the feel of the whole first floor. A clear pathway runs from the living room through the kitchen and from the kitchen into the dining room. A new island supplies much-needed storage and provides a place for people to eat casual meals and hang out. The new lighting plan brightened not only the kitchen, but also the adjacent rooms. Now, with the kitchen completed, the whole house has a cohesive Arts & Crafts aesthetic – Mission Accomplished!
“The kitchen design is everything we hoped it would be. It’s a reflection of our tastes – it’s us. Our designer really understood what we liked and how to make the kitchen fit with the look of the rest of the house.”
“What do we love? Lighting, lighting, lighting! The Pewabic backsplash! The storage additions. The overall look – it’s new, but it looks & feels like it could have been original to the house.”
– Homeowner

An outdated and poorly functioning master bathroom was transformed into a beautiful, spacious highly functional bathroom for the homeowners who plan to 'age in place'
S Interior Design

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
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 bedroom is small and had a tiny existing closet and poor flow, so we had to get creative. We reworked the layout to allow for a walk in closet and replaced old carpet with bamboo flooring. By adding a loft bed, we gained a large custom desk space, complete with tool chest as desk storage. Since my client’s view of the ceiling got a little closer, we added interest with bold color and design. A contemporary dresser and comfortable reading chair round out the space. The existing bathroom had a leaking shower with odd angles. To save money, we kept the angles and added a European shower tower, maximizing luxury and function in a tight space. The wall mounted vanity is visually lighter than a traditional vanity and makes the room feel larger. And we can’t forget the giraffe – a fun and colorful accent for a true animal lover!
Photos by Mike Martin www.martinvisualtours.com
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