Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW It’s not uncommon to buy a new home and want to make it your own. But that doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – because when something works, it works. At TKS Design Group, we believe in intentional design, not change for the sake of change. Especially when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. Lead designer, Jennifer, was able to make the most of what worked in this space, while elevating the aesthetic to make the kitchen feel brand new. This kitchen is an example of just that. When the homeowners purchased the home in 2016, they made some initial updates. From painting to refinishing the floors, they began the process of making this house their own. When the time came to update the kitchen, they wanted to work with what they had to elevate the space, while also adding in the design details that were missing for them. Not every space or kitchen requires starting from scratch to make new. Sometimes the layout is just right, and the cabinets are in great shape. Instead, you can prioritize the aesthetic you seek within the scope of what you already have. That is exactly what this kitchen called for. The new statement island in slate was added to make space for the microwave drawer which wasn’t a part of the original layout. The bold tone of the island adds contrast against light perimeter cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. A custom hood accommodates a new blower for an upgraded cooking experience. Quartz countertops paired with a marble backsplash pull everything together. Elevated plumbing fixtures in a polished nickel finish add a subtle sheen and loads of elegance. This client cared a lot about the details of the design, but especially the light fixtures. When we understand what matters to our client, we can prioritize it as a part of our design and process.

The light filled laundry room is punctuated with black and gold accents, a playful floor tile pattern and a large dog shower. The U-shaped laundry room features plenty of counter space for folding clothes and ample cabinet storage. A mesh front drying cabinet is the perfect spot to hang clothes to dry out of sight. The "drop zone" outside of the laundry room features a countertop beside the garage door for leaving car keys and purses. Under the countertop, the client requested an open space to fit a large dog kennel to keep it tucked away out of the walking area. The room's color scheme was pulled from the fun floor tile and works beautifully with the nearby kitchen and pantry.

This thoughtfully curated residence blends coastal charm with playful sophistication, where every room tells a story. From imaginative wallpapers and sculptural lighting to rich textures and bold tilework, the home celebrates creativity and comfort in equal measure. A seamless fusion of elegance and eccentricity, it invites both wonder and ease at every turn.

Industrial transitional English style kitchen. The addition and remodeling were designed to keep the outdoors inside. Replaced the uppers and prioritized windows connected to key parts of the backyard and having open shelvings with walnut and brass details. Custom dark cabinets made locally. Designed to maximize the storage and performance of a growing family and host big gatherings. The large island was a key goal of the homeowners with the abundant seating and the custom booth opposite to the range area. The booth was custom built to match the client's favorite dinner spot. In addition, we created a more New England style mudroom in connection with the patio. And also a full pantry with a coffee station and pocket doors.

The kitchen is very compact yet functional, spacious and light. Photo: Chibi Moku
Inspiration for a small contemporary galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

Two piece sectional, square cocktail ottoman Photography: Joseph Allen
Inspiration for a contemporary family room remodel in Miami

The small eat - in kitchen was designed with functionality in mind. The clients needed as much counter space as possible for cooking and prepping, as well as a dedicated spot for their many cookbooks. Soda Glass panels were used for the backsplash. The clients are able to write down recipes, weekly meal schedules and notes on the glass backsplash - making for a truly functional and personal kitchen. The extendable dining table was purchased to cater to their growing family. Treve Johnson Photography

Shelby Wood Design & Southland & Building co.
Contemporary exterior home idea in Other

A home remodel allowed for a new hall bathroom including a window. Marble was used throughout on heated floors, shower walls and baseboard detail. Shades of blue unify the space including the strie wallpaper. The pull-out laundry hamper was an ask from the client to help keep dirty items off the bathroom floor

Petr Krejci
Entryway - transitional entryway idea in London

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Landscape Architect: Stephen Prassas, RLA; Photography: Linda Oyama Bryan
Design ideas for an asian landscaping in Chicago.

This is an example of a transitional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Example of a minimalist exterior home design in Los Angeles

Williamson Photography
Inspiration for a coastal white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower remodel in Other with blue walls

This interior design project focuses on creating a multifunctional space that balances study, relaxation, and play for our young client. Inspired by her love of blue, we incorporated calming hues throughout the room to promote a serene atmosphere. We prioritized natural light, allowing the beauty of her suburban surroundings to enhance the space. Functional furniture enables smooth transitions between studying and relaxing, while cozy nooks invite comfort and creativity. Personal touches, such as custom artwork featuring her favorite wildlife and decor reflecting her personality, make this space unique. We have transformed her room into a wellness-centered chic retreat that nurtures her academic pursuits and personal joy.

This Albemarle County home melds a sophisticated palette of color and design with the land around it, opening the interiors to the outdoors from every room. A quiet marriage of city polish and country charm, the design prioritizes natural light and expansive views while maintaining a sense of elegance and eclectic appeal.

While being the new kid on the block, this home was designed to be a good neighbor to it's older surroundings. Progressive in materiality, fenestration and detailing but sympathetic in scale and form. It provides the homeowners privacy from the street but is very open to the backyard and the southern sun exposure afforded there. While the home is not certified, it subscribes to many Passive House principles which means it provides a very comfortable environment with good indoor air quality as well as reducing energy consumption. To further tread lightly on the planet, the home is all electric thereby directly excluding the use of fossil fuels. Alternative energy is provided by geothermal and solar photovoltaic systems. The homeowners are also big proponents of local bike culture and have prioritized bike use with an attached bike garage that also serves as a space for training and repairs, and a small bike trail looping the urban property.

This newly remodeled kitchen showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary and traditional design elements. The space features a striking combination of blue and rich wood cabinetry, creating a sophisticated two-tone effect. Quartzite countertops on the island, counters, and backsplashes add a touch of luxury, while gold hardware and fixtures provide warm metallic accents throughout. Large windows flood the area with natural light, highlighting the custom millwork and high-end finishes. The kitchen's layout is both functional and ideal for entertaining. A spacious island with seating serves as a focal point, topped with elegant pendant lights. High-end appliances, including a professional-grade range and built-in wine refrigerator, cater to the serious home chef. The open concept design allows for easy flow between the kitchen and adjacent living spaces, making it perfect for hosting gatherings. Storage and organization were clearly prioritized in this design. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage space, while open shelving provides opportunities for display. The walk-in pantry features a thoughtful organization system with labeled woven baskets and various shelf heights to accommodate different items. Clever details like a hidden coffee station and pull-out spice racks demonstrate the kitchen's blend of style and practicality, resulting in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.