Search results for "Practical goal" in Home Design Ideas

A small guest cottage is tucked in the upstairs of the carriage house of a local historic Victorian home. Although the space is small, the homeowner wanted to be true to the historic architecture while gaining every little bit of storage space possible. We met this goal using frame-less construction cabinetry in a simple traditional style -- adding details such as the turned posts at the bar and rosette/fluting on the upper cabinets. On the refrigerator wall, we reduced the depth of the base cabinets to allow the sink to center on the window -- the corner wall cabinet also had to be reduced in depth to fit. This staggered effect lends charm to the space besides being practically necessary. Note the plank ceiling, window seat & lighted upper display in the cabinets.
Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Edgemont

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

This project was featured in Midwest Home magazine as the winner of ASID Life in Color. The addition of a kitchen with custom shaker-style cabinetry and a large shiplap island is perfect for entertaining and hosting events for family and friends. Quartz counters that mimic the look of marble were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Open shelving with brass sconces above the sink create a focal point for the large open space.
Putting a modern spin on the traditional nautical/coastal theme was a goal. We took the quintessential palette of navy and white and added pops of green, stylish patterns, and unexpected artwork to create a fresh bright space. Grasscloth on the back of the built in bookshelves and console table along with rattan and the bentwood side table add warm texture. Finishes and furnishings were selected with a practicality to fit their lifestyle and the connection to the outdoors. A large sectional along with the custom cocktail table in the living room area provide ample room for game night or a quiet evening watching movies with the kids.
To learn more visit https://k2interiordesigns.com
To view article in Midwest Home visit https://midwesthome.com/interior-spaces/life-in-color-2019/
Photography - Spacecrafting
Find the right local pro for your project

This project was featured in Midwest Home magazine as the winner of ASID Life in Color. The addition of a kitchen with custom shaker-style cabinetry and a large shiplap island is perfect for entertaining and hosting events for family and friends. Quartz counters that mimic the look of marble were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Open shelving with brass sconces above the sink create a focal point for the large open space.
Putting a modern spin on the traditional nautical/coastal theme was a goal. We took the quintessential palette of navy and white and added pops of green, stylish patterns, and unexpected artwork to create a fresh bright space. Grasscloth on the back of the built in bookshelves and console table along with rattan and the bentwood side table add warm texture. Finishes and furnishings were selected with a practicality to fit their lifestyle and the connection to the outdoors. A large sectional along with the custom cocktail table in the living room area provide ample room for game night or a quiet evening watching movies with the kids.
To learn more visit https://k2interiordesigns.com
To view article in Midwest Home visit https://midwesthome.com/interior-spaces/life-in-color-2019/
Photography - Spacecrafting

1950's mid-century modern beach house built by architect Richard Leitch in Carpinteria, California. Leitch built two one-story adjacent homes on the property which made for the perfect space to share seaside with family. In 2016, Emily restored the homes with a goal of melding past and present. Emily kept the beloved simple mid-century atmosphere while enhancing it with interiors that were beachy and fun yet durable and practical. The project also required complete re-landscaping by adding a variety of beautiful grasses and drought tolerant plants, extensive decking, fire pits, and repaving the driveway with cement and brick.

Northeast Portland is full of great old neighborhoods and houses bursting with character. The owners of this particular home had enjoyed their pink and blue bathroom’s quirky charm for years, but had finally outgrown its awkward layout and lack of functionality.
The Goal: Create a fresh, bright look for this bathroom that is both functional and fits the style of the home.
Step one was to establish the color scheme and style for our clients’ new bathroom. Bright whites and classic elements like marble, subway tile and penny-rounds helped establish a transitional style that didn’t feel “too modern” for the home.
When it comes to creating a more functional space, storage is key. The original bathroom featured a pedestal sink with no practical storage options. We designed a custom-built vanity with plenty of storage and useable counter space. And by opting for a durable, low-maintenance quartz countertop, we were able to create a beautiful marble-look without the hefty price-tag.
Next, we got rid of the old tub (and awkward shower outlet), and moved the entire shower-area to the back wall. This created a far more practical layout for this bathroom, providing more space for the large new vanity and the open, walk-in shower our clients were looking for.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

This project was featured in Midwest Home magazine as the winner of ASID Life in Color. The addition of a kitchen with custom shaker-style cabinetry and a large shiplap island is perfect for entertaining and hosting events for family and friends. Quartz counters that mimic the look of marble were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Open shelving with brass sconces above the sink create a focal point for the large open space.
Putting a modern spin on the traditional nautical/coastal theme was a goal. We took the quintessential palette of navy and white and added pops of green, stylish patterns, and unexpected artwork to create a fresh bright space. Grasscloth on the back of the built in bookshelves and console table along with rattan and the bentwood side table add warm texture. Finishes and furnishings were selected with a practicality to fit their lifestyle and the connection to the outdoors. A large sectional along with the custom cocktail table in the living room area provide ample room for game night or a quiet evening watching movies with the kids.
To learn more visit https://k2interiordesigns.com
To view article in Midwest Home visit https://midwesthome.com/interior-spaces/life-in-color-2019/
Photography - Spacecrafting

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

New Additions to Hoover + Hill
This project is a continuation of the renovation and updating work Flavin Architects had previously completed at the 1958 Wales house, designed by architect Henry Hoover and Walter Hill. Our clients, a young family, desired more space for guests, a home office, a yoga studio, and covered car parking. The challenge was to respect the architects’ original vision and not to interfere with the perfect cruciform plan of the house. To accomplish these goals, we converted the existing garage/workshop structure into a guest house and then designed a new, separate carport/storage building.
The new carport building shares the low-slope gable of the original Hoover structure. The post and beam structure characteristic of Hoover’s design is updated through the use of galvanized steel posts and I beams. The galvanized beams cantilever to support a sheltered walkway leading from the parking to a guest house terrace defined in relationship to the three structures surrounding it. The terrace is paved in slate with a central rain garden. Wood lattice clads the carport, providing good ventilation and letting the building glow like a lantern at night. Our guest house renovation celebrates the unique structural timber ceiling of the original garage. We replaced opaque plywood trusses with a slender cable truss structurally engineered by Webb Structural Services. This cable truss allows for a view of the timber ceiling. A wall of glass facing the courtyard replaced the original garage door. A murphy bed in the rear room enables quick conversion from guest quarters to weight room.

This kitchen remodel focused on creating a clean, modern space with improved functionality and a brighter overall feel. The project included new cabinetry, updated flooring, and a complete refresh of the layout to make the kitchen more practical for everyday use.
We installed bright white cabinets to reflect natural light and give the space a timeless look. The neutral gray flooring adds contrast while remaining durable and easy to maintain. Updated fixtures and finishes helped tie the entire room together while keeping the design simple and modern.
The goal of this renovation was to transform an outdated kitchen into a space that feels open, comfortable, and ready for daily living. By combining practical materials with a clean design approach, the finished kitchen now offers improved storage, better flow, and a bright atmosphere that homeowners can enjoy for years.

This kitchen remodel was all about transformation—turning a dark, outdated space into a warm and inviting hub that perfectly balances function and style. For this blended family, the goal was to create a kitchen that reflected both clients' unique styles, merging industrial and modern elements while maintaining consistency with the surrounding spaces. Storage and organization were key priorities, ensuring the kitchen could handle the demands of a bustling household. Working alongside our designer, Vicki, the clients crafted a space that not only meets their practical needs but also embodies their vision. With a big family and a love for cooking and entertaining, the homeowners wanted a space that felt like their own private restaurant—stylish yet welcoming, with rich wood tones, striking contrast, and plenty of character. The end result? A beautifully curated kitchen that seamlessly blends form and function based on the clients’ vision. Additionally, we installed LVT flooring, which combines the beauty of wood grain with the practicality of easy maintenance for our clients. Every detail, from the thoughtfully placed pendant lighting to the functional layout of the cabinetry, enhances the kitchen’s usability and charm.

Laundry Room Goals ?✨
This laundry room makeover checks every box for style, storage, and function — whether it’s in a breezeway, mudroom, or dedicated laundry space.
✅ Full-size laundry appliances
✅ Deep utility sink for easy cleanups
✅ Upper and lower cabinetry for smart, organized storage
✅ Durable surfaces and versatile design that fits any home
Designed for real-life functionality, this space proves that practical can still be beautiful.
Ready to reimagine your laundry room?
Let Fiderio & Sons help create a space that works hard and looks great.
#LaundryRoomMakeover #MudroomInspo #BreezewayDesign #UtilityRoomGoals #HomeRemodeling #SmartStorage #FiderioAndSons #CTRemodeling #FunctionalDesign #LaundryRoomLove

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

This project was a full renovation of both the main level and basement level of a bungalow in Fredericton.
The house was built in 1995. My clients had purchased the house in 2000 and had raised their babies into teenagers. They had lived in the house the way it was when they purchased it with not time to focus on renovations until 2014. The finish materials were dated and wearing out. The goal was to achieve a highly practical space with a neutral palate and transitional décor using high quality durable materials. We worked with existing kitchen cabinets and bathtub surround as they were considered to be in good condition. We finalized the renovation with bedding selections, custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.

This project was a full renovation of both the main level and basement level of a bungalow in Fredericton.
The house was built in 1995. My clients had purchased the house in 2000 and had raised their babies into teenagers. They had lived in the house the way it was when they purchased it with not time to focus on renovations until 2014. The finish materials were dated and wearing out. The goal was to achieve a highly practical space with a neutral palate and transitional décor using high quality durable materials. We worked with existing kitchen cabinets and bathtub surround as they were considered to be in good condition. We finalized the renovation with bedding selections, custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.

This project was a full renovation of both the main level and basement level of a bungalow in Fredericton.
The house was built in 1995. My clients had purchased the house in 2000 and had raised their babies into teenagers. They had lived in the house the way it was when they purchased it with not time to focus on renovations until 2014. The finish materials were dated and wearing out. The goal was to achieve a highly practical space with a neutral palate and transitional décor using high quality durable materials. We worked with existing kitchen cabinets and bathtub surround as they were considered to be in good condition. We finalized the renovation with bedding selections, custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.

Who would’ve thought that one of our favorite projects would be a GARAGE?!✨
Garages aren’t considered an especially glamorous space, but this project defied the odds!
A beautifully designed space that adds tons of practical storage for the homeowners to stay organized. What’s not to like?!
Click the link in our bio to view more photos of this stunning project!

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

This kitchen remodel was all about transformation—turning a dark, outdated space into a warm and inviting hub that perfectly balances function and style. For this blended family, the goal was to create a kitchen that reflected both clients' unique styles, merging industrial and modern elements while maintaining consistency with the surrounding spaces. Storage and organization were key priorities, ensuring the kitchen could handle the demands of a bustling household. Working alongside our designer, Vicki, the clients crafted a space that not only meets their practical needs but also embodies their vision. With a big family and a love for cooking and entertaining, the homeowners wanted a space that felt like their own private restaurant—stylish yet welcoming, with rich wood tones, striking contrast, and plenty of character. The end result? A beautifully curated kitchen that seamlessly blends form and function based on the clients’ vision. Additionally, we installed LVT flooring, which combines the beauty of wood grain with the practicality of easy maintenance for our clients. Every detail, from the thoughtfully placed pendant lighting to the functional layout of the cabinetry, enhances the kitchen’s usability and charm.

This project was a full renovation of both the main level and basement level of a bungalow in Fredericton.
The house was built in 1995. My clients had purchased the house in 2000 and had raised their babies into teenagers. They had lived in the house the way it was when they purchased it with not time to focus on renovations until 2014. The finish materials were dated and wearing out. The goal was to achieve a highly practical space with a neutral palate and transitional décor using high quality durable materials. We worked with existing kitchen cabinets and bathtub surround as they were considered to be in good condition. We finalized the renovation with bedding selections, custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.

This renovation in Manhattan placed us within a block of Central Park, delivering a complete overhaul of an ideally-located 1800-square-foot condo. The project was for a young family, whose newly-purchased property is in a post-war building and was in sponsor-condition when we arrived, warranting quite a bit of love. By delivering a complete interior renovation of the apartment, including two bathrooms, kitchen, floors, lighting, and custom millwork, we provided a modern, highly-functional space the family can proudly call home for years to come.
PARENTS NEED SPACE
Storage was the most important factor in this renovation. With a small child ready to rumble at all hours, our clients knew they were going to have all kinds of stuff taking over their space. At the same time, they wanted to be able to have guests come in and not see clutter. Our solution was neatly designed opportunities for storage nestled throughout the apartment.
To start, we created a custom entertainment unit, offering storage below, with open shelves above. Built-in under the living room window is banquette seating with significant storage beneath. Not only does the dual-purpose nook offer areas to store toys galore, the cozy spot offers beautiful windows with views of the shimmering skyline and rooftop gardens, providing practical peace of mind. Every inch of this renovation was designed with intention, so no space is wasted.
UNIQUE KITCHEN DESIGN
There are various custom elements that make this particular NYC kitchen renovation stand-out. While the majority of the apartment has herringbone wood flooring, determination was made that having herringbone in the kitchen would have been way too busy. So, we went with straight planks for the kitchen, blended from the living room with a custom wood flooring design. The straight planks not only look better, they were most cost-effective. Additionally, there’s wood paneling lining the kitchen, accenting the off-white and chestnut cabinets with a touch of luxe. Finally, the quartz backsplash and countertop offer a nice and seamless touch to the overall modern design.
FORWARD-THINKING DESIGN FOR CHILDREN
Our goal with the kid’s bedroom design was to offer a multi-purpose space the child could enjoy and use as needs change over the years. Beyond the playful wallpaper, we provided plenty of timeless built-ins that can be used to store diapers and books early on, while also including a desk space for homework in later years (hopefully).
COMPLIMENTARY BATHROOMS
When we renovated the two bathrooms in this Manhattan apartment, our goal was to create similar but distinct designs between the two spaces, that still felt unique in their own right and blended with the rest of the home. The wood vanities incorporate the heavy wood tones from other rooms, while the strong accent tiles on the walls and big, bold marble floor tiling create elegant foundations for each space.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Natural light drop ceilings offer nice recessed lighting throughout the entire apartment
- New doors & new hardware throughout, w/crystal doorknobs in various areas
- Built-in bar to accommodate guests, complete with lights under cabinet and distressed mirrored backsplash
- Plaster crown molding offering a very clean and classic touch throughout the transitional space
Considering an apartment renovation in NYC? We specialize in loft, condo and co-op, brownstone and private home renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, specializing in pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-build firm like Gallery to renovate your home, you get the full range of our expertise. We handle every step of the process, from architecture and design to filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and managing all rounds of the remodel. Contact us today to bring your dream home to life.
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