Search results for "Primary function" in Home Design Ideas

A serene, family-friendly McLean home featuring calming hues, custom millwork, elegant wallpaper, and layered textures—blending timeless sophistication with everyday comfort and functionality.
This serene primary bedroom retreat features soft green walls, layered textures, and elegant detailing—designed as a calming escape with timeless style, cozy comfort, and refined sophistication.

Small trendy open concept living room photo in Denver with a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a wall-mounted tv
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Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
This project started out as a kitchen remodel but ended up as so much more. As the original plan started to take shape, some water damage provided the impetus to remodel a small upstairs hall bath. Once this bath was complete, the homeowners enjoyed the result so much that they decided to set aside the kitchen and complete a large master bath remodel. Once that was completed, we started planning for the kitchen!
The original kitchen was just large enough to accommodate an island and a separate pantry but felt a little cramped, especially during the weekends when the couple likes to entertain. The primary goal was to maintain the functionality of the current space, but to add some breathing room as well as to provide a view to the homeowner’s side yard and substantial Hosta garden.
The solution was to bump out the space about 10 feet which provided ample room for large pro appliances, a large island for gathering and an upgraded pantry space. It was important to the homeowners to create a space that felt like it belonged in their historic 1866 home. Details such as matching new trim to the existing large custom profiles in the original home and re-purposing an existing door to be used for the new pantry, provided these touches. A large window at the main sink provides that view into the yard and a beautiful focal point for the room.
A mix of painted wood and stained cabinetry gives the new kitchen a sense of belonging in the older home, as do the Super White quartzite that has the look of marble, subway tile backsplash, polished nickel lanterns and glass and mirrored doors. The large pantry, filled with custom shelving built to the homeowner’s specifications, stainless steel appliances and the two Galley Workstations – sinks that do double duty as prep space – ensure that not only does the kitchen look great, but also functions in a personalized manner that works perfectly for the occupants.
Doing the bump out also allowed the opportunity for a small mudroom and powder room right off the kitchen as well as re-arranging some openings to allow for better traffic flow throughout the entire first floor. The result is a comfortable up-to-date home that feels both steeped in history yet allows for today’s style of living.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

The primary ensuite features a custom rifted white oak double vanity with a quartzite countertop, complemented by an LED backlit mirror for a modern, luminous touch. This elegant design blends natural warmth and contemporary style in the newly added master bathroom.

The goal of Pineapple House designers was to stay within existing footprint while improving the look, storage capabilities and functionality of the master bath. Along the right wall, they replace the existing tub with a freestanding Roman soaking tub. Glass shower walls lets natural light illuminate the formerly dark, enclosed corner shower. Along the left wall, a new double-sink vanity has hidden storage in tall, slender doors that are configured to mimic columns. The central section of the long vanity has a make-up drawer and more storage behind the mirror. Along the back wall, a custom unit houses a television that intentionally blends into the deep coloration of the millwork. An under counter refrigerator is located in the lower left portion of unit.
Scott Moore Photography

Inspiration for a black floor and double-sink doorless shower remodel in Boston with dark wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

The primary bedroom and bathroom are the showstoppers of this phase! Unused and awkwardly located closets in both the bedroom and bathroom were removed to make way for additional square-footage in the bath and replaced with a sizable and functional reach-in closet in the bedroom. A dated and cramped shower stall was removed in favor for an expansive step in shower spanning the width of the bathroom and a new transom window washes the room in natural light. While the previous bathroom was only able to accommodate a single vanity, the new layout allowed us to create double matching vanities mirrored across from each other - a much appreciated addition for a primary bath. Floating walnut vanities boast impressive storage and are capped with tower cabinets with hidden outlets for charging and storing electronic bathroom tools. While the color palette is restrained - black, white, gray, and brown - the result is a timelessly modern and masculine space that is at once striking and warm. Modern geometric patterns play with each other throughout the material selections.

Walnut double vanity with custom tower for storage. Faux wood porcelain floor.
Example of a large trendy master gray tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom design in Seattle with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops
Example of a large trendy master gray tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom design in Seattle with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year.
The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks.
We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids.
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Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena.
For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/
To learn more about this project, see here:
https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

The primary bedroom and bathroom are the showstoppers of this phase! Unused and awkwardly located closets in both the bedroom and bathroom were removed to make way for additional square-footage in the bath and replaced with a sizable and functional reach-in closet in the bedroom. A dated and cramped shower stall was removed in favor for an expansive step in shower spanning the width of the bathroom and a new transom window washes the room in natural light. While the previous bathroom was only able to accommodate a single vanity, the new layout allowed us to create double matching vanities mirrored across from each other - a much appreciated addition for a primary bath. Floating walnut vanities boast impressive storage and are capped with tower cabinets with hidden outlets for charging and storing electronic bathroom tools. While the color palette is restrained - black, white, gray, and brown - the result is a timelessly modern and masculine space that is at once striking and warm. Modern geometric patterns play with each other throughout the material selections.

Smokey turquoise glass tiles cover this luxury bath with an interplay of stacked and gridded tile patterns that enhances the sophistication of the monochromatic palette.
Floor to ceiling glass panes define a breathtaking steam shower. Every detail takes the homeowner’s needs into account, including an in-wall waterfall element above the shower bench. Griffin Designs measured not only the space but also the seated homeowner to ensure a soothing stream of water that cascades onto the shoulders, hits just the right places, and melts away the stresses of the day.
Space conserving features such as the wall-hung toilet allowed for more flexibility in the layout. With more possibilities came more storage. Replacing the original pedestal sink, a bureau-style vanity spans four feet and offers six generously sized drawers. One drawer comes complete with outlets to discretely hide away accessories, like a hair dryer, while maximizing function. An additional recessed medicine cabinet measures almost six feet in height.
The comforts of this primary bath continue with radiant floor heating, a built-in towel warmer, and thoughtfully placed niches to hold all the bits and bobs in style.

Our customers loved their home but always knew they wanted to remodel their primary and upstairs hallway bathrooms. Both were original to the home, and functionality, look, and amenities desperately needed updating. Inspired by the stunning blue tile that they themselves found, our customers partnered with MOSS to create a primary bathroom that better suited their needs. From the vanities with tip outs, pull outs and much better storage, to the elegant soaking tub that is better suited to the homeowners, and finally, to the shower with the rain system they had always wanted, the primary bathroom is now the space our customers can enjoy for years to come. Additionally, the upstairs hallway bathroom was updated to create a better space for the children in the home, with more storage, more attractive and unique floor and shower tile, and much more. Touches of design choices here and there added the final layer of perfection to these beautiful new bathrooms.

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Columbus, OH
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Our customers loved their home but always knew they wanted to remodel their primary and upstairs hallway bathrooms. Both were original to the home, and functionality, look, and amenities desperately needed updating. Inspired by the stunning blue tile that they themselves found, our customers partnered with MOSS to create a primary bathroom that better suited their needs. From the vanities with tip outs, pull outs and much better storage, to the elegant soaking tub that is better suited to the homeowners, and finally, to the shower with the rain system they had always wanted, the primary bathroom is now the space our customers can enjoy for years to come. Additionally, the upstairs hallway bathroom was updated to create a better space for the children in the home, with more storage, more attractive and unique floor and shower tile, and much more. Touches of design choices here and there added the final layer of perfection to these beautiful new bathrooms.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs.
As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage.
A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside.
Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner.
The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders.
Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors.
Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back.
Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room.
To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California.
Completion year: 2020
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade
Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly
Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon
Landscape architect: Outer space
Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs
Photographer: Mariko Reed

THE SETUP
Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment.
Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout.
Design Objectives:
Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor.
Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency.
Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space.
Design Challenges:
The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design.
Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout.
Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction.
The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient.
Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design.
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design Solutions:
By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic.
The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded.
Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space.
Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors.
The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements.
The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy.
The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

 
Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
 
This project started out as a kitchen remodel but ended up as so much more. As the original plan started to take shape, some water damage provided the impetus to remodel a small upstairs hall bath. Once this bath was complete, the homeowners enjoyed the result so much that they decided to set aside the kitchen and complete a large master bath remodel. Once that was completed, we started planning for the kitchen!
The original kitchen was just large enough to accommodate an island and a separate pantry but felt a little cramped, especially during the weekends when the couple likes to entertain. The primary goal was to maintain the functionality of the current space, but to add some breathing room as well as to provide a view to the homeowner’s side yard and substantial Hosta garden.
The solution was to bump out the space about 10 feet which provided ample room for large pro appliances, a large island for gathering and an upgraded pantry space. It was important to the homeowners to create a space that felt like it belonged in their historic 1866 home. Details such as matching new trim to the existing large custom profiles in the original home and re-purposing an existing door to be used for the new pantry, provided these touches. A large window at the main sink provides that view into the yard and a beautiful focal point for the room.
A mix of painted wood and stained cabinetry gives the new kitchen a sense of belonging in the older home, as do the Super White quartzite that has the look of marble, subway tile backsplash, polished nickel lanterns and glass and mirrored doors. The large pantry, filled with custom shelving built to the homeowner’s specifications, stainless steel appliances and the two Galley Workstations – sinks that do double duty as prep space – ensure that not only does the kitchen look great, but also functions in a personalized manner that works perfectly for the occupants.
Doing the bump out also allowed the opportunity for a small mudroom and powder room right off the kitchen as well as re-arranging some openings to allow for better traffic flow throughout the entire first floor. The result is a comfortable up-to-date home that feels both steeped in history yet allows for today’s style of living.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Transforming key spaces in a home can really change the overall look and feel, especially in main living areas such as a kitchen or primary bathroom! Our goal was to create a bright, fresh, and timeless design in each space. We accomplished this by incorporating white cabinetry and by swapping out the small, seemingly useless island for a large and much more functional peninsula. And to transform the primary bathroom into a serene sanctuary, we incorporated a new open and spacious glass shower enclosure as well as a luxurious free-standing soaking tub, perfect for ultimate relaxation.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, yellow backsplash, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops
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