Working within a set of constraints, whether of space or budget, challenges my creativity and leads to a beautiful end result. The old kitchen used the space very poorly. The intent was just to replace the countertop. But once we investigated, the inferior cabinets needed replacing, too, so a rethink of space usage created a small and stylish kitchen of lasting quality.

Barbara Green
Eat-in kitchen - small traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Charlotte with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, stone tile backsplash and no island

Example of a classic staircase design in Birmingham

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

Transform your kitchen with Everyday Cabinet's gorgeous Dark Espresso Shaker Kitchen Cabinets. The elegant and affordable cabinets feature soft close doors & drawers. Superior Quality We design & craft our premium vanities for the longest life possible. The vanities are crafted with solid birch doors & face frames & 1/2" Melamine Plywood side panels. 6-Way Adjustable Soft Close Door & Drawer Hinges Say goodbye to the slamming sounds from your vanity doors & drawers! Our vanities features six-way adjustable soft close door & drawer hinges. Quick & Easy to Assemble Our RTA (ready to assemble) vanities feature our revolutionary Dovetail Assembly Method for quick & easy assembly! All of our vanities arrive flat box, helping to save you costly shipping. The front, back & sides of the vanity all slide together easily & lock securely. This helps to ensure that your vanity will remain solid over the years. Limited LIFETIME Warranty We only manufacturer & sell quality vanities that are designed to last. We backup this promise with our Lifetime Limited Warranty & 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Please see warranty for details.

A rustic bath retreat was created in this Orland Park home by Adam Hartig AKBD to replace a poorly organized / dark room with cold finishes and low quality materials. By organizing the room properly, the client was able to double the vanity size and increase the shower / tub areas by 30%. Photos by Adam Hartig.

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

We build this detail into most of our kitchen remodels when possible. The countertop extends into a boxed out window, taking the place of the window sill.

Robert Hughes Garden Design Office Box RHS Cardiff 2015 - Buxus sempervirens topiary cubes supplied by Best4hedging
Small trendy shed photo in Cardiff

At the present level of development of the concept of "quality" is considered as a complex component, which includes the quality of the final product, the quality of management, quality of deliveries or work, the quality of life of people (employees) and society as a whole. Quality management is coordinated and interconnected management activities, which was built in such a way as to ensure safe and smooth operation of the organization. Organization Management, with regard to quality means that all activity is subject to the objectives set for quality, and to achieve these goals, the organization has developed a system of plans, have the necessary resources, carried out actions to achieve their goals. Quality management - a very important element for any business. After all, quality is one of the criteria of the high popularity of a brand among consumers. Besides good quality will save the company from warranty repairs, lawsuits, etc. Quality management includes four basic components: • quality control; • quality assurance; • quality planning; • quality improvement. There are 8 basic principles of quality management system: • The principle of orientation to the user. Product success primarily depends on how the user takes it. Moreover, this principle directs the company to study the needs of its customers. • The principle of leadership or leadership role. Quality management in the first place depends directly on the company's management, which should by their actions show his concern for the produced goods, on its quality. • The principle of staff involvement. From more - in less. If the head of the company must set an example in their interest in the quality of products, the company and each employee must also work to improve the quality of products and must want to improve it. • The principle of the process approach. Based on the division of the company to suppliers and consumers. Suppliers - material security that comes into the company, and which must comply with certain quality. Consumers - the product, which is depending on the materials, must be of good quality. Because this is a direct product of your company. • The principle of the system approach. It combines two previously identified types of organization in the common system. Moreover, he claims that this system should be a common goal, and general management. • The principle of continuous improvement. Or to put it in simple words - "There is no limit to perfection." The principle involves constant monitoring of the quality of products in order to improve it. • The principle of decision-making based on facts. It implies that all decisions will be taken by research, scientific evidence, public opinion polls, and not on an intuitive level head. • Mutually beneficial supplier relationships. It's simple - the supplier delivers you high-quality materials and receives respective payment. The lower the quality of the goods, the less the cost. • It is believed that the introduction of these 8 principles in any company will improve the quality of its products and the improvement of the production process. That, in turn, affect the overall good of the company success. About Author: Anna Lynch is a freelance writer at http://online-check-in.org/, who creates papers about business and marketing. She has a long practice and great experience in the sphere of economics and now is able to help young people.

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area. The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation. Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color. Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion. Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support. Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes. Appliance Garage On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more. Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter. Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request. Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation. The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet. Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices. Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes. The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean. Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen. Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions. The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

The sliding doors were removed and the hot water radiator relocated to enrich the functionality and beauty of the kitchen. Glass tiles, leaded glass doors, polished granite, interior cabinet lighting, new ceiling lighting along with cabinets that reach the ceiling were designed to visually expand the space. Reflective surfaces assist in expanding the space, as do glass doors because the mind peers beyond the door's face surface. White cabinets and trim with just enough detail and accent so as not to numb the emotion with a hospital quality further expands the sense of the kitchen space. Creativity and an ability to think "outside the box" are necessary for these gems we describe as "row" homes. Restoration when done well is exciting; it's refreshing and delightful. We can not disassociate our emotions from our environments. Why should we? We should strive to be happy within beauty. Part of the Arts and Crafts Movement in America used as its' motto: the Beautiful, the Useful and the Enduring. For an artisan craftsman or designer the motto holds true today. Jaeger & Ernst cabinetmakers, 434-973-7018 Photographer: Greg Jaeger

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

Do you have a small apartment or studio and need space ­saving furniture ideas? Do you have a den or office that needs to double as a guestroom? A Murphy Bed system might be just what you’re looking for! This style looks like a glossy lacquered wall in your room and when closed takes up very little space. When you want to study or work on your computer, just open the cabinet and drop down a desk! There’s plenty of room for office work, study books or even craft projects to fit on this roomy desk. When you’re tired and want to get some sleep, just open it all the way and the desk drops down, instantly giving you a twin bed ready to crawl into! In the morning, it all closes up, giving you an uncluttered, open area for your studio or apartment. If you’re using it in a study, you can keep the desk open and just open the bed for guests when they sleep over. This Murphy Bed system is constructed from the highest quality materials and the mechanism is technologically new gas springs, that open and close with no effort. Having a Murphy Bed System is like having a room in a box.

This Salt-Box Barn Home is Breathraking. Small Enough to stay in your budget but Big Enough with the HUGE Garage added on to never run out of room for your toys and storage needs.

Mid-sized elegant living room photo in London

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project tests the theory of bringing high quality design to a prefabricated factory setting. Enrolled in the LEED-Home Pilot, this residence completed certification. The modular home was conceived as two boxes that slide above one another to create outdoor living space and a lower covered rear entry. The passive solar design invites large amounts of light from the south while minimizing openings to the east and west. Factory construction saves both time and costs while reducing waste and using a controlled labor force. Built in a factory north of Denver, the home arrived by flatbed truck in two pieces and was craned into place in about 4 hours providing a fast, sustainable, cost effective alternative to traditional homebuilding techniques. Upgraded lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, doors, door hardware, windows, tile and bamboo flooring were incorporated into the design. 80% of the residence was completed in the factory in less than 3 weeks and other items were finished on site including the exterior stucco, garage, metal railing and stair. Stack-Slide-Stitch describes the conceptual process of how to tie together two distinct modular boxes. Stack refers to setting one modular directly on top of the other. Slide refers to the action that creates an upper southern deck area while simultaneously providing a covered rear entry area. The stitching or interlocking occurs with the upward extension of the lower volume with the front deck walls and with the rear two story vertical.

The original design of this late Mid-century Modern house featured a horrifically ugly entry which the owners needed our help to fix. In addition, they wanted to add a master suite, create a home theatre, and remodel the family room. Although they originally considered adding a second floor, our final design resulted in an extension of the house which accentuated its existing linear quality. Our solution to the entry problem included cutting back part of the vaulted roof to allow more light in and adding a cantilevered canopy instead. A new entry bridge crosses a koi pond, and new clerestory windows, stone planters and cedar trim complete the makeover of the previously bland plywood-clad box. The new master suite features 12 foot ceilings, clerestory windows, 8 foot high French doors and a fireplace. The exterior of the addition employs the same pallet of materials as the new façade but with a carefully composed composition of form and proportion. The new family room features the same stone cladding as we used on the exterior. Photo by Christopher Stark Photography.