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An outdated and poorly functioning master bathroom was transformed into a beautiful, spacious highly functional bathroom for the homeowners who plan to 'age in place'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

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.

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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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 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

When it was time to update their small and poorly functional master bath, these homeowners approached Renovisions for help. The small 5’x8’ size constraints was a challenge but ‘Team Renovisions’ was up for the task and came up with a beautiful creative use of space which incorporates a spacious walk-in shower, a curved furniture-styled vanity with porcelain lavatory top, a sleek and energy efficient luxury performance toilet, with faucet and shower fixtures in chrome finish. Safety is a must for our projects and this decorative grab bar that matches the towel holder accessories is evidence of that as it provides both functional and aesthetic attributes.
18”x18” porcelain tiles in a brown marble pattern was a great choice as these over-sized tiles increased the feeling of the room while the rich cherry finish of the vanity complimented the brown veining of the tile nicely.
This newly remodeled master bath is clearly an example of making the most out of a small space. Beauty, functionality and style – it has it all!

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

Mudroom — Project Description (Bolton, CT)
(Reconfiguration • Custom Storage • Functional Entry Design)
The original mudroom layout was cramped and inefficient, offering minimal storage and poor traffic flow. The garage door opened directly into a wall, the single corner closet provided limited accessibility to its sides, and there was no place for shoes, coats, or everyday landing items. The space lacked both organization and visual appeal.
Key Issues in the Old Layout
Garage door swung into a side wall, restricting movement
Small corner closet with poor left/right access and inadequate capacity
No dedicated shoe storage
No seating or landing surface
No mirror, making the space feel smaller and less functional
Overall layout did not support daily use or family workflow
New Layout & Built-In Storage Solutions
The mudroom was completely reconfigured to create a balanced, efficient, and visually cohesive entry zone that supports everyday routines and maximizes available space.
Wall-to-Wall Back Closet
Full-width custom closet spans the entire back wall
Equipped with double pocket doors for effortless access without blocking circulation
Interior fitted with coat hanging space and top shelving for seasonal items
Full-Height Shoe & Accessory Storage
A dedicated tall cabinet provides:
Bottom half: organized shoe storage
Top half: adjustable shelves for accessories, baskets, or household essentials
Built-In Combo Opposite the Closet
A custom multifunctional unit includes:
Walnut bench top for warmth, texture, and a natural design element
Two deep drawers beneath the bench for gloves, hats, pet items, etc.
Full-height mirror strategically placed to visually expand the room
Open hanging storage for quick-access items
Upper enclosed cabinet with adjustable shelving for concealed storage
Additional Enhancements
The garage door swing was reversed for proper ergonomics and easier entry
Added crown molding throughout the space for a cohesive, finished look consistent with the rest of the renovation
Upgraded lighting brightens the room and enhances the sense of cleanliness and order

The wing of this old Vermont Farmhouse had several issues, including multiple floor levels, damp basement, structural issues and poor functioning spaces. We deconstructed the wing, poured a new full dry basement and re-built a small addition which includes a master suite, mudroom, laundry room, powder room, work area and home office/studio space. More importantly we incorporated Universal Design into the existing and new portions of the home, so it will all now be on one level.

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.

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 kitchen renovation transformed a tired, poorly functioning space into a gorgeous hub of home activity, functional, beautiful, and inviting.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and beige countertops
Example of a mid-sized minimalist ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and beige countertops

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

Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and shaker cabinets

New 36" cooktop, pop up vent and wall oven replace old poor functioning downdraft cooktop
Large transitional eat-in kitchen photo in Columbus with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Large transitional eat-in kitchen photo in Columbus with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

The goal of this project was to redesign the 1954 home’s kitchen, dining room, and second story into a more functional and enjoyable space.
When first working with Castle the homeowners did not know what exactly the possibilities were for a new layout but they were very aware of how poorly functional their existing layout was. With the help of Castle this home now lives up to more of its true potential. Custom kitchen cabinets now extend into the dining room, joining the two spaces and accommodating a group of people to comfortably enjoy cooking and dining together.
On the second floor a bathroom and two closets were added. The finishes for the space are spa-like making this master suite into private, restful oasis. From the outside it appears as though simple window replacements were completed and from the inside this home has been greatly transformed!
Designed by: Ashley Hansen
Check out the full project at http://www.castlebri.com/bathrooms/project-3259-1/

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

Due to existence of utility chases, the original kitchen pantry was chopped up and comprised of poorly functioning wire shelves. Working with the available space and incorporating wire storage baskets on runners, by pass stainless steel frame doors with stain etched glass, allowed for maximum space utilization while keeping the space light and airy feeling.
Photo by Iklil Gregg courtesy WestSound Home and Garden

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
8
