Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac near the beautiful Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, this 1907 Parnassus Heights home belongs to an active couple with a young daughter. They had dreams of transforming their home into a comforting refuge, equally equipped to whip up cocktails for guests, welcome them home after a good surf, or host their aging parents. We touched just about every space in this home, including the kitchen, hallway, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. In addition, we updated the basement hall that leads to the outside, transforming it into a more presentable entry for guests, and created an enclosed storage space. Given the age of the home and its location on a hillside, precise structural work was involved to renew the home’s integrity. In the kitchen, which was originally dark and cramped, we made dramatic changes. We expanded the kitchen’s footprint, designing it to capture the expansive city views and create the indoor-outdoor living space they had always wanted. A large island with custom concrete countertops, a custom banquette, and beautiful red oak cabinets are just a few of the standout features in this soothing space. The rest of this home’s spaces received equally thoughtful planning: floor-to-ceiling bedroom wardrobes with integrated lighting, custom built-in elements, carefully layered lighting for ambiance and drama, a steam shower in the primary bathroom, and the addition of skylights to bring in natural light. This home is now an inviting, purposeful space perfectly tailored to infusing joy and ease into their everyday lives.

This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned. Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten. Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes. Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity. Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile. Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

  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

photo by: Lee Lormand
Mid-sized transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Dallas with blue walls and no fireplace

Using native Sycamore as the primary material, we designed this kitchen to create a sense of light and movement. The room’s energy arises from two features. First, the individual cabinets are defined by their placement and their changing heights. Second, the circular island connects all of the separate cabinets by function. The lively mix of materials, wood, stone, tile and copper, blend and reflect light in different intensities, serving each of the kitchen’s purposes. Although many interiors mix various media, an intimate knowledge of their working properties and compatibility is critical to a natural, harmonious combination. This is the world of custom cabinet design and master craftsmanship. Project 6425.1 Photographer Phillip Beaurline

This multi-purpose space serves as the Entry from the Garage (primary access for homeowners), Mudroom, and Butler's Pantry. The full-height cabinet provides additional needed storage, as well as broom-closet and pantry space. The gorgeous blue cabinets are paired with the large slate-colored tile on the floor. The countertop is continuous through to the kitchen, through the grocery pass-through to the kitchen counter on the other side of the wall. A coat closed is included, as well.

The primary clean up sink is a Shaw fireclay farm sink, flanked by the dishwasher on the left, and a two tiered silverware drawer over trash/recycling bins on the right. Contemporary Shaker style upper cabinets store everyday dishes and glassware, convenient to the dishwasher and refrigerator. Photo by Glen Grayson, AIA

This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned. Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten. Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes. Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity. Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile. Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

  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

  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

This multi-purpose space serves as the Entry from the Garage (primary access for homeowners), Mudroom, and Butler's Pantry. The full-height cabinet provides additional needed storage, as well as broom-closet and pantry space. The gorgeous blue cabinets are paired with the large slate-colored tile on the floor. The countertop is continuous through to the kitchen, through the grocery pass-through to the kitchen counter on the other side of the wall. A coat closed is included, as well.

This award-winning guest bedroom project tells the story of Pennsylvania's role in the Revolutionary War. The quilted bedspread is in a Thibaut fabric, and has a reverse sham, sometimes called a French flap. Banding at the hem of the custom quilted bedspread, and on the leading edge of the draperies were inspired by the leather collar of the portrait opposite. A contrast welting defines the edge of the mattress and of the reverse sham. Two naval battles with a Pennsylvania connection were custom framed, and are shown to the right of the window, while an engraving of William Penn signing a treaty with the Indians, from the Anderson House museum collection, is above the bed. An embroidered pillow shows the seal of the Society of the Cincinnati. The small tables used as nightstands are from Maitland Smith, while the headboard and bed frame were found in a Pennsylvania antique store. The new wall color adds warmth and contrast to the linen white trim color. Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC

Inspiration for a transitional master carpeted and beige floor bedroom remodel in San Diego with beige walls

This historic home was in need of a more functional kitchen and needed more purposeful storage. We removed walls and relocated doors to make this a more open kitchen and primary bathroom which had a step down that had no place there. We added as much cabinetry with a proper pantry cabinet, pull out trash and plenty of base cabinets with drawers to make sure everything was seen and accessible. This 100 year old house was well kept but over the decades the house was feeling more compartmentalized than the homeowner wanted. Useless hallways and doors that didn't need to be there. We wanted some color without being too bold, a soft green for the kitchen and a modern large hex floor tile gave us color this house was asking for. We went with a low maintenance porcelain backsplash tile in a tone on tone white for a more handmade look. Paired with a durable quartz countertop for lots of cooking and entertaining. The old kitchen was missing enough counter space so we almost tripled it with a little re-design on my end. The original windows were stripped down and stained for a more craftsman look and we carried that wood into the beverage bar area with some shelves. This home truly has transformed into a more functional and beautiful space!

The Home The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.

The Home The Branson’s covered porch, with its sturdy tapered columns, decorative pediment gables and large picturesque window-scape, invites you to enjoy a refreshing approach to a two-story bungalow-style home. Upon entering, The Branson features a bright and open study with a double-door closure. Moving through the foyer into the adjoined, naturally-lit great room, the well-equipped café-style kitchen and flexible dining area instantly inspires the “Live, Laugh, Love” trifecta of family togetherness. In the kitchen, the oversized eat-in island commands attention while leading your eye up to the nine-foot ceilings, around to the cozy contemporary gas fireplace and along the durable plank flooring. Up the centrally located stairwell, guests will find the “family hub” with three large secondary bedrooms, an ample sized bonus room tucked into the corner of the second level for some recreation or relaxation, and a restful primary suite complete with walk-in spa shower, walk-in closet and separate water closet all adjoined to a spacious master bedroom. In the basement, there is prime space for added bedrooms, full bathroom and an “anything” room. The Builder As a local, privately held homebuilder and community developer, Oakwood Homes pioneers new standards for livable luxury. We innovate through purposeful and efficient design, always using local materials, manufacturers and resources. We also provide an engaging yet straightforward homebuying experience that is unmatched in the industry. Our mission is simple: to create luxury homes that are accessible and personable at every budget – for homebuyers in every stage of life. The Interior Design With bright white walls as a jumping off point, accent colors of gray blue, blush and plum add in something for everyone. Dark woods ground the design and pops of metallic gold add interest and flair. Cozy soft goods and bedding soften the space making it approachable and welcoming for the whole family to grow into and enjoy together for many years.

This project focused on creating a more functional and connected first floor while introducing a refined, modern aesthetic. The design prioritizes open sightlines, improved circulation, and purposeful zones for daily living. The kitchen, dining, and living spaces were reworked to feel cohesive and expansive, while private areas such as the primary suite were enhanced for comfort and usability. Material selections balance warmth and contrast, combining darker cabinetry, natural wood tones, and light stone surfaces to create a grounded and livable environment. Storage was a key driver throughout the design, with added pantry space, built-ins, and a fully customized closet.

This historic home was in need of a more functional kitchen and needed more purposeful storage. We removed walls and relocated doors to make this a more open kitchen and primary bathroom which had a step down that had no place there. We added as much cabinetry with a proper pantry cabinet, pull out trash and plenty of base cabinets with drawers to make sure everything was seen and accessible. This 100 year old house was well kept but over the decades the house was feeling more compartmentalized than the homeowner wanted. Useless hallways and doors that didn't need to be there. We wanted some color without being too bold, a soft green for the kitchen and a modern large hex floor tile gave us color this house was asking for. We went with a low maintenance porcelain backsplash tile in a tone on tone white for a more handmade look. Paired with a durable quartz countertop for lots of cooking and entertaining. The old kitchen was missing enough counter space so we almost tripled it with a little re-design on my end. The original windows were stripped down and stained for a more craftsman look and we carried that wood into the beverage bar area with some shelves. This home truly has transformed into a more functional and beautiful space!

Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac near the beautiful Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, this 1907 Parnassus Heights home belongs to an active couple with a young daughter. They had dreams of transforming their home into a comforting refuge, equally equipped to whip up cocktails for guests, welcome them home after a good surf, or host their aging parents. We touched just about every space in this home, including the kitchen, hallway, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. In addition, we updated the basement hall that leads to the outside, transforming it into a more presentable entry for guests, and created an enclosed storage space. Given the age of the home and its location on a hillside, precise structural work was involved to renew the home’s integrity. In the kitchen, which was originally dark and cramped, we made dramatic changes. We expanded the kitchen’s footprint, designing it to capture the expansive city views and create the indoor-outdoor living space they had always wanted. A large island with custom concrete countertops, a custom banquette, and beautiful red oak cabinets are just a few of the standout features in this soothing space. The rest of this home’s spaces received equally thoughtful planning: floor-to-ceiling bedroom wardrobes with integrated lighting, custom built-in elements, carefully layered lighting for ambiance and drama, a steam shower in the primary bathroom, and the addition of skylights to bring in natural light. This home is now an inviting, purposeful space perfectly tailored to infusing joy and ease into their everyday lives.