The primary objective of this project was to enhance the layout of the ground floor and expand the kitchen area. Similar to many single-family cottages constructed before the 2010s, the typical ground floor layout consisted of a kitchen, formal living room, formal dining room, dinette, vestibule, and a den. However, in recent years, the demand for formal spaces has waned while the desire for larger and more practical kitchens has significantly increased. To achieve this goal, we embarked on a project that involved demolishing the wall separating the existing kitchen from the formal dining room. This allowed us to expand the kitchen into the former formal dining room space. We relocated the dining room to what was previously the formal living room, effectively eliminating the need for a formal living room. The result is a new kitchen with significantly enhanced storage and prep areas, making it much more functional.

Project Objectives: Reconfigure interior layouts to maximize space utilization and flow. Introduce contemporary fixtures and smart appliances for an upgraded lifestyle. Focus on sustainable building practices to enhance energy efficiency. Redesign outdoor living areas to complement the home’s modern aesthetic. Complete renovations within a predetermined timeline and budget, following strict compliance standards.

Project Details Lake home features traditional cottage theme with a combination of stone, stucco and shake siding. Features include custom red wood garage doors, special order Marvin front entry system and custom alder cabinetry. The most unique part of this home was the butler’s pantry housing an extra refrigerator, dishwasher and pantry storage. Client Objectives The homeowners were looking for a contractor that could help them convert their dreams a building a practice lake home, ideal for the pro fisherman on Lake Minnetonka into reality. They wanted a cozy home for family gatherings while also keeping the ability for resale an option. “I waited several years to find the right time and the right lot to build my lake home. After interviewing several contractors I turned to Jeff because he was able to take the plans that I had spent years working on and design something that fit my needs while also keep an eye on resale. I was impressed with his expertise and knowledge of Orono’s zoning regulations. In the end, we partnered together to build the lake home of my dreams.”

Here are some practical tips for creating a beautiful, comfortable and thoughtful living room design. The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, receives guests. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home. The place of the sofa in the design of the living room The sofa does not need to be placed in a draft. This means that it should not be on an imaginary line from window to door - if you drew a floor plan, it will just be easy to trace. 1. The sofa in front of the TV, diagonally from the door, is a great location. As if inviting you to sit down :) 2. Sofa near the door. A good solution if you often have overnight guests. 3. Corner sofa in the living room. Best placed in the farthest corner from the door. This will make the room look more spacious. Correct opening of the door in the living room. Inward or outward? Open inward or outward? There is no clear rule here, because everything depends on the layout and on the furniture placed. The main thing is that the door leaf opens freely and does not interfere with entering and exiting the room. Also, the door should not interfere with free access to the closet or dressing room. TV in living room size and location. Location. The TV is placed on the wall opposite to the sofa - this is the most logical and reasonable place for it in the living room. Moreover, the distance to it does not really matter: modern TV models can be placed close to the sofa. Cabinet or bracket? To your taste. The main thing is that the television zone looks neat and presentable. Provide in advance a cable channel in which all the wires and numerous sockets for the receiver, modem, set-top box, sound bar will hide. Nothing spoils a design like sticking wires! Height from the floor. It is optimal to place the TV 1 m from the floor to the middle of the screen - this is exactly the level of the eyes of a seated person. Diagonal size. If there is a financial opportunity, consider options from 50 inches - smaller screens look lonely and lonely on an empty wall. Living room furniture. Armchair. Often the chair becomes an accent item in the interior, then its shade, and sometimes its shape, differ from the rest of the furniture. When choosing a chair, be guided also by your habits: for example, it will be more convenient to climb up with your feet and read a book in an armchair with dimensions of 90x90 cm, and you can “just sit comfortably” in a fireplace chair with a high back, comfortable armrests and with a seat 80x80 cm. TV stand. Large TV stands are no longer as relevant as they used to be, when it was necessary to store a player, cassettes and discs there. For now, a console table or a narrow elegant pedestal is enough. Coffee table. Nice piece of furniture that creates a cozy atmosphere. Some models, if necessary, can be transformed into a more spacious table for receiving guests - however, finding comfortable and beautiful specimens is not easy, plus they usually cost a lot. Rack. An extremely useful type of furniture. :) Firstly, a large number of decor items can be beautifully placed on the rack. And secondly, it can also play the role of a light through partition, which divides the room into zones and does not select light at the same time. This is a very big plus for small apartments. Fireplace. Here we are talking about electric fireplaces. Some of them come with a humidifier and heated, so 3-in-1 models can be very helpful. Fireplace portals have different styles: classic, antique, modern. Inconsistency with the general style of the living room can greatly spoil the impression of the room, so be careful with creativity. Sizing is an important issue. A large wall with a high ceiling also needs a proportionate fireplace; in horror, a small portal will look lonely and ridiculous. What do you think about our new living room project? https://www.ferriss.co #ferriss #We_bring_objects_to_life #3drendering #architecture #San_Francisco

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Project Details Lake home features traditional cottage theme with a combination of stone, stucco and shake siding. Features include custom red wood garage doors, special order Marvin front entry system and custom alder cabinetry. The most unique part of this home was the butler’s pantry housing an extra refrigerator, dishwasher and pantry storage. Client Objectives The homeowners were looking for a contractor that could help them convert their dreams a building a practice lake home, ideal for the pro fisherman on Lake Minnetonka into reality. They wanted a cozy home for family gatherings while also keeping the ability for resale an option. “I waited several years to find the right time and the right lot to build my lake home. After interviewing several contractors I turned to Jeff because he was able to take the plans that I had spent years working on and design something that fit my needs while also keep an eye on resale. I was impressed with his expertise and knowledge of Orono’s zoning regulations. In the end, we partnered together to build the lake home of my dreams.”

Project Details Lake home features traditional cottage theme with a combination of stone, stucco and shake siding. Features include custom red wood garage doors, special order Marvin front entry system and custom alder cabinetry. The most unique part of this home was the butler’s pantry housing an extra refrigerator, dishwasher and pantry storage. Client Objectives The homeowners were looking for a contractor that could help them convert their dreams a building a practice lake home, ideal for the pro fisherman on Lake Minnetonka into reality. They wanted a cozy home for family gatherings while also keeping the ability for resale an option. “I waited several years to find the right time and the right lot to build my lake home. After interviewing several contractors I turned to Jeff because he was able to take the plans that I had spent years working on and design something that fit my needs while also keep an eye on resale. I was impressed with his expertise and knowledge of Orono’s zoning regulations. In the end, we partnered together to build the lake home of my dreams.”

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

This project's objective was to design and build a carport that could be used as a dining patio with minimal integrated planting, stairs, a mid-level lawn, and access to the storage shed. This carport is exceptionally unique. It has a paved surface with planting towards the edges and open wood slated roof supported by a solid steel frame and a roll-up garage door to seal the yard from the adjacent laneway. The existing tool shed was shifted and rotated to open towards the carport while using the rear as a screen for late summer evening movies. Creating space that can be utilized for dual purposes and maintaining open views from the house was achieved by tiering the yard to balance the number of stairs between, removing unnecessary railings and using low vegetation as buffers to soften the edges. The carport doubled as a pergola for dining and entertaining. It was detailed with hanging string lights, a detailed paving pattern, staining the wood to expose the natural grains while contrasting against the steel posts and beams' black finish. For this young family, it was the perfect transition that allowed flexibility and practical seasonal use.

Our client bought an older expansive bungalow in Manotick with a stunning waterfront backyard. This beautiful setting became the foundation for our open concept Kitchen and Family Room Design. Besides the usual great functional requirements, the client wanted a ‘Rockstar’ visual kitchen to complement an eclectic collection of Mid-Century Furniture and objects. The reclaimed Northern Wide plank Oak hardwood (colour: Mill creek, collection: Artifax), floor provides a rustic and comfortable grounding to the crisp modernism of the kitchen. The floor is especially practical as the inevitable scratches from the family dog can be easily corrected by the client. The Kitchen features a ‘Bridge’ design of walnut cabinetry surrounding the pro-style fridge and freezer. Other appliances are clustered with demi-tall pantries and form an interesting linear definition that suits the ‘Long’ Room of Kitchen and Family Room. A walnut Eating Bar and walnut interior for the dish pantry complete the triad of walnut in the Kitchen. High gloss white cabinets featuring handle-free design are topped with gray quartz. The stunning Noble Grey light marble backsplash is installed with a Horizontal grain to complement the linear definition. The Family Room features an offset linear fireplace that is balanced with a substantial walnut entertainment unit. The awkward and unmoveable doorway was incorporated into the design to create the effect of a unit that is much larger than it actually is. The walnut wood matches the Kitchen but is installed with a horizontal grain, repeating the character of the kitchen backsplash.

A substantial installation of 82 yards of fabric was used to create a continuous wall of functional drapery panels, introducing both scale and softness to the space. The refined pattern subtly incorporates the room’s wall color while weaving in the established blue and green palette, ensuring a cohesive and layered visual narrative. This extensive use of custom drapery enhances acoustics, adds movement, and brings a tailored, couture-level finish to the interior. A quietly textured, custom area rug grounds the television viewing area, anchoring the sofa and defining the seating zone with understated elegance. Its muted coloring allows the surrounding furnishings and architectural elements to take precedence while providing warmth and comfort underfoot. An oversized ottoman, reupholstered in a soft grey faux shagreen, introduces a durable yet luxurious surface that balances practicality with refined texture. Its generous scale supports multifunctional use in this busy family space, while the material choice ensures easy maintenance without compromising on sophisticated design. Together, these elements create a harmonious living environment where comfort, performance, and elevated design coexist seamlessly.

Kandinsky throw pillow - The colors in this abstract composition, reminiscent of the work of influential Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky, evoke a psychic vibration, hiding a power still unknown but deeply felt in every part of the body. The expert Kashmiri needlework in this handmade, hand worked pillow cover is of the finest chainstitch crewel, a superlative stitch. The eye-catching design deserves to be seen and experienced. Wherever you place it, it is sure to draw attention. The Kashmir wool thread makes it soft to the touch, and the texture of the embroidery is a sensory delight. Durable and easily cared for, this cover has a back button opening for easy accessibility. Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cotton Size: 18' x 18' (45 cms x 45 cms) Pillow Insert not Included (Only Cover is on Sale) Hand embroidered in Village Cottage Units Backing: Canvas (See the Last Picture) A close-up view of this abstract pillow cover allows you to see the amazing chain-stitch embroidery work of master artisans who have practiced this art their entire lives.This abstract decorative pillow cover could grace the cabin of your boat or the chair in your solarium and yet be equally as comfortable in your den. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form. Kandinsky conveyed profound spirituality and inner human emotion through a visual language of abstract forms and colors that transcended cultural and physical boundaries. He used interrelation between color and form to create an aesthetic experience that engaged the sight, sound, and emotions of the viewer. Kandinsky viewed music as the most transcendent form of non-objective art musicians could evoke images in listeners‚ minds merely with sounds. He crafted spiritually rich paintings that alluded to sounds and emotions through sensations. Modern Artist Wassily Kandinsky used the form of concentric circles to portray the soul. Rendered here as chain stitch embroidery in wool, this cushion cover can create a new personality for any room in which you choose to use it. The eye-popping color and pattern of this modern throw pillow are just what the designer ordered to create a fiery focal point in your decor. Perfect wherever you need a splash of color, this artwork pillow creation is as durable as it is beautiful. Easy to care for, this cushion cover could spark up an old throw pillow or grace a new pillow form.

The Fargo Solid Wood Bookcase brings wide open shelving, rustic warmth, and practical storage into living rooms, home offices, studies, entryways, and organized interiors. Handcrafted from 100% solid pine wood, it features spacious shelves, a sturdy structure, and a smooth water-resistant matte finish that highlights the natural wood grain while supporting everyday use. Available in multiple widths from 48" to 90", with height options of 64" for 5 shelves or 79" for 6 shelves, Fargo offers flexible storage for books, plants, baskets, ceramics, framed photos, and decorative objects. Its clean wide design and natural finish options make it a versatile fit for rustic, farmhouse, Scandinavian, minimalist, transitional, and warm modern interiors.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

This bathroom was designed for two professionals who dedicate themselves to the health and wellness of others. The objective of the project was to be able to practice for themselves, what they preach to their patients. The original 90” x 162” primary bathroom had so many pain points (would you to look at a toilet when taking a relaxing bath?), that it should have been an easy task to meet their needs and desires, but it was anything but due to structural issues with the home. Several design layouts were considered before it was concluded that the only approach to check the ‘needs’ boxes was to flip the primary fixtures in the room from one end of this long, narrow bathroom to the other and incorporating a wet room. The needs list included a soaking tub, a spacious shower that accommodated dual showering on business workday morning, more counter space, a bidet toilet, more storage, better lighting, better heat and humidity control, a soothing color pallet and privacy from the neighbors. An air jet soaking tub (motor concealed in the nearby vented base cabinet) under a new window with privacy glass on the bottom and a clear glass awning window on top checked two boxes. The center drain for the bathing features provides space for two people to shower simultaneously while highlighting the soothing color pallet from every view point in the room. The integrated bidet toilet is an affordable luxury that delivers health and wellness multiples times in a day. The expanded vanity optimized storage while providing more, clutter free countertop space. Utilizing a variety of lighting types, with dimmers, provides the right illumination for every bathroom activity. Lastly, the in-floor heat, toe-kick heater and relocated bathroom exhaust fan over the shower help maintain a consistently comfortable temperature and humidity level in this bathroom transformation.

At times, the most remarkable spaces emerge when we begin with a clean slate. In this particular project, we had the privilege to design a completely custom home, starting from scratch for our client. They simply entrusted us with a piece of land, and from that point forward, we handled everything. Our primary objective for this project was to craft an exceptional, contemporary, and practical dream home for a family of four. By creatively manipulating height variations at the front of the house, we conceived the standout element of the home: the impressive windows that showcase the bespoke steel spinal staircase.

At times, the most remarkable spaces emerge when we begin with a clean slate. In this particular project, we had the privilege to design a completely custom home, starting from scratch for our client. They simply entrusted us with a piece of land, and from that point forward, we handled everything. Our primary objective for this project was to craft an exceptional, contemporary, and practical dream home for a family of four. By creatively manipulating height variations at the front of the house, we conceived the standout element of the home: the impressive windows that showcase the bespoke steel spinal staircase.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Free from all unnecessary objects with a clean, stylish, and uncluttered design, this contemporary kitchen is the minimalist's dream! This kitchen is also incredibly practical with the space-saving design innovations with built-in appliances and custom cabinets. Design features include large format porcelain tile, under-mount sink, flat-panel dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, integrated paneled appliances, an island, and smart home electoral system.