Mudrooms are practical entryway spaces that serve as a buffer between the outdoors and the main living areas of a home. Typically located near the front or back door, mudrooms are designed to keep the mess of the outside world at bay. These spaces often feature built-in storage for coats, shoes, and accessories, helping to maintain a tidy and organized home. Durable flooring materials, such as tile or easy-to-clean surfaces, are common in mudrooms to withstand dirt and moisture. Additionally, mudrooms may include benches or cubbies for convenient seating and storage of bags or backpacks. With hooks for hanging outerwear and perhaps a small sink for quick cleanups, mudrooms efficiently balance functionality with the demands of an active household, providing an essential transitional space in the home.

Oyster Pro is as an innovative evolution of Oyster and Oyster Decorativo, and comprises models with clean, essential lines that are designed to make our day-to-life simpler with enhanced functional features, while at the same time with eye-catching forms that reflect your refined tastes. The ShellSystem aperture/closure mechanism is made even more practical by the use of an ergonomically-shaped profile which provides a safe, solid grip.

Example of a mid-sized transitional guest carpeted bedroom design in Boston with orange walls

Mid-sized trendy open concept carpeted family room photo in Los Angeles with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

In the back kitchen area, there's a practical pantry with a coffee station, a built-in microwave drawer, and open shelving with integrated lighting. A stylish panelled refrigerator stands next to a handy shallow pantry for easy access to everyday food essentials.

Oyster Pro is as an innovative evolution of Oyster and Oyster Decorativo, and comprises models with clean, essential lines that are designed to make our day-to-life simpler with enhanced functional features, while at the same time with eye-catching forms that reflect your refined tastes. The ShellSystem aperture/closure mechanism is made even more practical by the use of an ergonomically-shaped profile which provides a safe, solid grip.

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

Todd Mason
Inspiration for a rustic bedroom remodel in New York

Oyster Pro is as an innovative evolution of Oyster and Oyster Decorativo, and comprises models with clean, essential lines that are designed to make our day-to-life simpler with enhanced functional features, while at the same time with eye-catching forms that reflect your refined tastes. The ShellSystem aperture/closure mechanism is made even more practical by the use of an ergonomically-shaped profile which provides a safe, solid grip.

The layout of this mudroom is long and narrow and divided in half by a doorway. A locker system with 5 individual cubbies, open shelving and drawers holds the families immediate outdoor wear accessories. The cabinets are finished in white melamine and include corner radius shelving, chrome hardware, square raised panel door fronts and large continuous crown molding. The opposite wall has the washer and dryer with cabinets for laundry essentials. There is also a closet for long hang items and mop/broom storage. Designed by Marcia Spinosa for Closet Organizing Systems

In some older Parisian apartment buildings, the bathroom may feature a unique and unusual element known as a "sanibroyeur." This is a type of macerating toilet that is designed to grind waste into a fine slurry that can be easily transported through the building's plumbing system. Sanibroyeurs are often used in older Parisian apartment buildings where the plumbing system is not designed to handle modern toilets, and they are a popular choice for those who seek a practical and convenient solution to their bathroom needs. Despite their unique design, sanibroyeurs continue to be a functional and essential element of many Parisian apartment bathrooms, embodying the city's commitment to finding practical solutions to the unique challenges posed by its architecture and infrastructure.

Step into the functional entry, complete with shelving, coat hangers, and a bench for added convenience. This space offers ample storage for outdoor gear, keeping the rest of the home organized and clutter-free. Whether coming or going, enjoy the practicality and efficiency of this essential area.

This close-up highlights the custom-built cabinetry that defines this sophisticated dining space. The upper glass-front doors beautifully display glassware and curated bar essentials, while the lower cabinets provide concealed storage. Rich wood countertops complement the creamy cabinetry, enhancing the modern-traditional design. The textured charcoal walls and wood-framed windows add depth and character, balancing warmth with functionality. Paired with sleek leather chairs and a natural wood dining table, this corner reflects craftsmanship and refined style, ideal for both display and practical use.

Rather than starting with an outcome in mind, this 1,400 square foot residence began from a polemic place - exploring shared conviction regarding the concentrated power of living with a smaller footprint. From the gabled silhouette to passive ventilation, the home captures the nostalgia for the past with the sustainable practices of the future. While the exterior materials contrast a calm, minimal palette with the sleek lines of the gabled silhouette, the interior spaces embody a playful, artistic spirit. From the hand painted De Gournay wallpaper in the master bath to the rugged texture of the over-grouted limestone and Portuguese cobblestones, the home is an experience that encapsulates the unexpected and the timeless.

This Texas Treasure began as a simple kitchen remodel, then expanded to include the entire home! What was a tired, dark, cramped space has now become an open, light, bright space fit for a serious cook! She yearned for natural and organic elements that harken to the outdoors. Stone, antique, rough, hand-hewn beams fit the bill perfectly!

Example of a transitional kitchen design in San Francisco

Vertical Arts Architecture II Gibeon Photography
Trendy gray floor hallway photo

At the far end of the yard a large cabana features a lounge area with fire table and two high-boy bar counters with roll-up windows. Inside, a refrigerator and sink provide practical support, while around the corner the washroom/change room is an essential convenience.

Transforming this laundry room from dead space is one of our specialties! We converted an awkward, ugly, misused basement corner into a sleek and efficient laundry room. With careful planning and custom design, we installed a stacked washer and dryer to maximize space, added stylish storage solutions for laundry essentials, and integrated thoughtful touches like warm lighting and a rustic floor finish which complement the adjacent bathroom. This basement laundry room not only serves as a practical solution but also enhances the overall value and usability of the home.