Search results for "Proper functioning" in Home Design Ideas

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape.
The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area.
Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating.
The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

BEFORE PHOTO: Part of an extensive home remodel, this kitchen design was born of one man’s love of all things Harley Davidson. Color inspiration came from the client’s own cherished bike which was a stunning combination of matte black and brushed steel. The client’s wish was to have a large open area in which he could “be one with his guests” when hosting large gatherings.
Cabinets, hardware and appliances all in black allow the focus to be on the beauty of the larger architectural elements as a whole. Included along the main storage wall is a hidden 42” refrigerator, dual pull-out pantries, and extra wide drawers below a pair of upper cabinets with matte black glass fold-up doors that open & close automatically via servo-drive technology.
The new island - which measures just shy of 16 ½ feet! - is a true central point around which all action revolves. Wide walkways on either side provide ease of flow for multiple sous chefs and guests alike. A textured cypress soffit above the island was designed to house the modern hood and also create a feeling of unity as it is the same size as the island below. Textured cypress wood also wraps matte black cabinetry and lines the main wall, changing grain direction to provide visual interest.
The 5’ Galley Workstation is a multi-functional marvel, easily transitioning from prep station to serving surface to clean-up with the addition of its built-in accessories. Placing an undercounter wine refrigerator on the back side of the island makes it easy for guests at the bar to help themselves. Close to the bar seating area, a 42” flat screen tv fits perfectly flush in the wall, practically disappearing when not in use.
Unique details include a large display cabinet with a metal framed front & side crafted out of steel by a local artisan. The glass is 2-way mirror so when the interior light is off, the treasure is concealed inside. The interior is painted in the trademark Harley orange.
Above a modern dining table, a one-of-a-kind chandelier was created from 3 bike helmets, painted in Harley orange by a local automobile detail shop. The interiors are finished in metallic silver for extra glow.
Adjacent to the Kitchen, and initially deceiving in its simplicity, the main tv wall was quite complex and challenging to realize. It has a convex curve from left to right and slopes back from floor to ceiling. The interior hollow space created room for a shallow tv niche on top and partially recessed deep media storage cabinets below. The planning and framing involved to create the proper compound miter connections required extra diligence from the designers and builder, but the finished product was worth the effort!
Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

These wine cabinets are sealed off by Barolo style wine cellar doors with dual pane glass. We installed it with Q-Lon to maintain an airtight seal around the door. We stained the doors with a Chestnut finish. We added a fixed glass window between the doors.
We illuminated the high-reveal display rows with LED display lighting. The recessed LED lighting illuminates the wine racks from the top.
Inside, premium redwood wine racks accommodate up to 840 wine bottles securely. We incorporated various racking styles to add character and functionality go the wine cellar. A ductless split refrigeration system from Arctic Metalworks Inc maintains the wine cabinets at the ideal climate conditions.
Take a video tour of this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf8dhH8hdNQ
Coastal Custom Wine Cellars
8 Waltham Rd.
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
+1 (949) 200-8134
contactus@coastalcustomwinecellars.com
Learn more about this project:
https://www.winecellarsbycoastal.com/custom-cellar-style-wine-cabinet-manhattan-beach-los-angeles.aspx
Find the right local pro for your project

This front porch deck project in Wichita, Kansas was designed to completely upgrade the home’s curb appeal while creating a strong, welcoming entrance. The existing structure lacked both visual impact and long-term durability, making it the perfect opportunity for a full rebuild that would enhance both function and appearance.
At 180 Renovations, we approached this project with a focus on precision and structural integrity from the ground up. The original porch was removed and replaced with a brand-new custom-built deck system designed to provide long-lasting support and a clean, modern finish. Every detail was carefully executed to ensure the new front porch not only looked great but also delivered the reliability homeowners expect from a properly built outdoor structure.
Your front porch is one of the first things people see, and it should reflect the quality of your home. This project is a perfect example of how a professionally built front porch deck can instantly elevate a property. If you’re looking to improve your home’s exterior with a custom deck build or renovation, 180 Renovations is ready to help. Contact us today to get started.

Your bathroom is essential for starting and ending your day, where you cleanse and refresh yourself. Proper plumbing is crucial for its function. When repairs or upgrades are needed, you can rely on Trident Plumbing & Drain to assist you.
Learn more: https://www.tridentplumbingllc.com/plumbing-services/bathroom-plumbing/

When Your Bathrooms Finally Work for You
These clients loved their home but found their bathrooms frustrating and impractical. The Primary Ensuite was cramped, the vanity offered little storage, and the walk-in closet went mostly unused.
The Shared Bathroom had peeling finishes, rust, and mold, leaving them concerned and embarrassed when guests visited.
Our renovation transformed both spaces into functional and beautiful bathrooms.
The Primary Ensuite now features a spacious walk-in steam shower, a double vanity with plenty of storage, and improved layout for better flow.
The Shared Bathroom was fully updated with new finishes, fixtures, and proper ventilation.
Large-format tiles, Brushed Nickel plumbing fixtures, Matte Black accents, and custom glass details create a cohesive, modern look. Even unexpected challenges, such as a hidden plumbing stack, were solved without compromising the design vision.
The result is a home that finally feels complete, with bathrooms that are calm, practical, and enjoyable to use every day.
Sosna Home Renovations
7250 Keele Street, Unit 372
Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8
416-888-7366
Email: contact@sosna.ca
Website: www.sosna.ca

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability.
The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed.
The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space.
To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship.
At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance.
If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

Not far from the Maine coastline, this renovation project showcases the power of creative reimagining. With an elevated deck in need of replacement, the clients envisioned a new space that would fill with sunshine and offer them the potential to nurture plants throughout the year. Offering full-service design and construction, Sunspace stepped in to make it happen.
The Sunspace team began by replacing the existing deck structure, creating a solid, raised, insulated foundation that would receive the greenhouse addition. A high-quality aluminum frame was chosen for its durability and sleek lines, blending with the home's existing architecture and fitting snugly into the corner of the exterior walls. The generous use of insulated glass floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a comfortable growing environment all year round.
Functionality within a small space is key in this design. Venting windows in the lower sections and operable roof vents ensure proper airflow and temperature control, essential for a thriving plant collection. The interior is thoughtfully finished with planting benches and shelving to establish an organized, inviting workspace. And with direct access from the home, a trip to the greenhouse is an effortless escape for the clients, a world of vibrant growth never further than a few steps away.

Office Workstations and Cubicles: The Unsung Heroes of Efficient Team Environments
In today's fast-paced business world, the hum of productivity is the sweetest sound an office can produce. But what fuels this symphony of efficiency?
While leadership and strategy are crucial, the physical environment in which a team operates plays a role that is just as vital. The debate between open-plan offices and traditional cubicles has raged for years, yet the truth is that a well-designed space incorporating both office workstations cubicles can be the key to unlocking a team's full potential. This isn't just about furniture; it's about creating a habitat for success.
The Evolution of the Workspace: Beyond the Beige Box
Gone are the days of monotonous rows of identical, soul-crushing cubicles. Modern office design has embraced a more nuanced understanding of worker needs. The contemporary workstation is a far cry from its predecessors, offering flexibility, ergonomic support, and a nod to aesthetic appeal. This evolution recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach stifles creativity and productivity.
Fostering Focus in a Sea of Collaboration
While collaboration is a cornerstone of modern business, the need for individual, focused work remains paramount. This is where the modern cubicle shines. It provides a sanctuary from the constant distractions of a completely open office, allowing employees to delve deep into tasks that require concentration. This dedicated space minimizes interruptions, leading to higher quality work and reduced stress levels.
The Power of Personalization and Ownership
Giving employees a degree of control over their immediate environment can have a profound impact on morale and engagement. Modern workstations and cubicles that allow for personalization be it through adjustable shelving, pinboards for personal items, or even the choice of chair foster a sense of ownership. This small act of empowerment can translate into a greater sense of belonging and commitment to the organization.
Ergonomics: The Foundation of Employee Well-being and Productivity
A comfortable employee is a productive employee. Ergonomics is not a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity in any office environment. Poorly designed workstations can lead to a host of musculoskeletal issues, from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in increased absenteeism and decreased efficiency. Investing in ergonomic chairs, adjustable-height desks, and properly positioned monitors is an investment in the long-term health and performance of your team.
Designing for Synergy: The Strategic office layout design
The arrangement of workstations and cubicles is as important as the furniture itself. A strategic office layout design can facilitate seamless communication and collaboration while still providing pockets of privacy for focused work. This involves creating "neighborhoods" for different teams, placing collaborative zones in central, easily accessible areas, and ensuring that high-traffic pathways don't cut through quiet work zones.
Breaking Down Barriers with Hybrid Designs
The most effective office environments often feature a hybrid approach. This might involve clusters of cubicles for focused work, interspersed with open, collaborative "huddle spaces" equipped with whiteboards and comfortable seating. This variety allows employees to choose the environment that best suits the task at hand, offering the best of both worlds.
The Role of Acoustics in a Thriving Workplace
Noise is one of the biggest complaints in open-plan offices. Well-designed cubicles with sound-dampening panels can significantly mitigate this issue. Furthermore, incorporating acoustic solutions throughout the office, such as sound-absorbing materials on walls and ceilings, can create a more pleasant and productive auditory environment for everyone.
Integrating Technology for a Seamless Workflow
In the digital age, technology is the lifeblood of any business. Modern office workstations are designed with this in mind, featuring integrated power and data ports, cable management systems, and ample space for multiple monitors. This seamless integration of technology ensures that employees have the tools they need to work efficiently and without frustration.
Choosing the Right Partner for Your Office Environment
The task of outfitting an office can be daunting. Partnering with a knowledgeable and reputable Meet&Co commercial furniture supplier is crucial to creating an environment that is both functional and inspiring. A good supplier will not only offer a wide range of high-quality products but will also provide expert advice on space planning and ergonomic best practices, ensuring that your investment yields the best possible return.
The Future of the Office: Flexibility and Adaptability
The world of work is constantly evolving, and office design must evolve with it. The future lies in creating flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing needs of a business. Modular furniture and movable partitions are key components of this future-proof approach, allowing organizations to scale and adapt without the need for costly and disruptive renovations.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Your Greatest Asset
Ultimately, the design of your office is a direct reflection of your company's culture and values. By investing in high-quality, ergonomic, and well-designed office workstations and cubicles, you are sending a clear message to your employees: their well-being and productivity matter. This strategic investment in your physical workspace is, in fact, an investment in your most valuable asset your people. The result is a more engaged, efficient, and innovative team, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

The client had a finished basement space that was not functioning for the entire family. He spent a lot of time in his gym, which was not large enough to accommodate all his equipment and did not offer adequate space for aerobic activities. To appeal to the client's entertaining habits, a bar, gaming area, and proper theater screen needed to be added. There were some ceiling and lolly column restraints that would play a significant role in the layout of our new design, but the Gramophone Team was able to create a space in which every detail appeared to be there from the beginning. Rustic wood columns and rafters, weathered brick, and an exposed metal support beam all add to this design effect becoming real.
Maryland Photography Inc.

This project involved a complete electrical upgrade in a residential garage in Calgary, transforming the space into a clean, functional, and well-lit environment.
We installed new LED lighting to provide bright, even coverage throughout the garage, along with additional receptacles to support tools, equipment, and future use such as a home gym or workspace. The layout was designed to improve usability and eliminate dark areas, making the space more practical for everyday use.
The electrical system was upgraded to safely handle increased demand, with proper circuit distribution and code-compliant installation throughout.
Whether used for storage, projects, or additional living space, this garage is now fully equipped with reliable, modern electrical infrastructure.

When it comes to proper wine racking, functionality and aesthetics both come into play.
While standard custom wine racking WA is great at increasing wine cellar capacity, display racks (like those pictured here) are a fantastic way to increase aesthetic appeal (and to showcase particularly rare and/or valuable wines).
The horizontal display racks provide a nice break in the individual bottle racking. They are an eye-catching component of this wine storage space.
Wine Cellar Specialists
858 W Armitage Ave #385 Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 234-0112
winecellarspec.com

This 1950's home was in the need of an overhaul. Family of 4, they needed functional storage, easy to clean materials, and a proper master closet and bathroom. Timeless design drove the material selections and period appropriate fixtures made this house feel updated yet still fitting to the homes age. White custom cabinetry, classic tiles, mirrors and light fixtures were a perfect fit for this family. A large walk in shower, with a bench, in the new reconfigured master bathroom was an amazing transformation. All the bedrooms were outfitted with more useful storage. The master closet even got a full desk workspace with all the natural light you could ask for.

The Timothy Hyde House, c. 1729, dear to the homeowners for its historic details, but long-lacking the family oriented spaces and living areas essential for today’s extended family lifestyle. Unwilling to compromise an ounce of character, this growing family longed for more practical amenities like a visitor’s private retreat with bedroom, living room and bath, garage parking, a proper master bedroom layout with full bath and walk-in closet, in addition to a new kitchen that would function as the heart of the home. Ultimately the total square footage was doubled and the entire flow of the home was reworked keeping all of the character details intact. The kitchen is the hub, serving up its center island topped off with reclaimed white oak once belonging to a barn built in the 1880’s; jet mist leather granite tops off the remainder of the kitchen. Custom cable lighting was the ingenious solution for the complicated preservation of the original exposed beams and posts in the kitchen. The barn door was custom crafted from original timbers. Many cups of coffee will be enjoyed at the cozy, sun-filled dining nook overlooking the family room and new adjacent deck. The rear, separate entry mudroom with step-up laundry was a long awaited luxury over the previous basement facilities. Moving upstairs, a centrally located bathroom was removed to create a wheelhouse style landing/passage hall, now home to a quiet workspace, featuring original wide plank floors and tailor-made sconces. Baths were added and upgraded including soapstone tops, marble, a glorious soaker tub in the generous master bath, all giving the home a taste of luxury. Bathing in sunlight rests the master suite starring the original beams, cathedral ceilings, and well-suited chandelier. Throughout the home strategically designed built-ins provide a plethora of storage and organization. This 280 year-old Colonial shines on brighter than ever. We are proud to have been part of its long history.
Photo by Eric Roth

The existing space was over compartmentalized and was never going to function properly as a place to cook and entertain friends. The new design involved removing an extra entry point & created all the zones necessary for fine entertaining while overlooking the vineyard.

Home automation is an area of exponential technological growth and evolution. Properly executed lighting brings continuity, function and beauty to a living or working space. Whether it’s a small loft or a large business, light can completely change the ambiance of your home or office. Ambiance in Bozeman, MT offers residential and commercial customized lighting solutions and home automation that fits not only your lifestyle but offers decoration, safety and security. Whether you’re adding a room or looking to upgrade the current lighting in your home, we have the expertise necessary to exceed your lighting expectations.

Built in 1938, this home has some beautiful architectural features. The former kitchen was charming, but it was not functional. Cabinet drawers were not opening properly, there was no hot water at the sink and there was no electric on the island. With the new kitchen design, we added several modern amenities, several of which are concealed behind cabinet doors and drawers.
Credits:
Designer: Erin Hurst, CKD-French's Cabinet Gallery, LLC
Contractor: Benjamin Breeding- Breeding Homes, LLC
Countertops: Smokey Mountain Tops
Cabinetry: Crestwood Inc.
Crown Molding: Stephens Millwork & Lumber Company
Tile: Dal Tile-Beth Taylor
Appliances: A1 Appliance-Tom Burns
Plumbing Fixtures: Kenny & Company-Jessica Smith
Paint: Jo Ella McClellan
Photographer: Dylan Reyes-Dylan Reyes Photos

Palmetto St. Augustine is a hardy, low maintenance turfgrass with outstanding emerald green color. It performs well in full sun, yet also thrives in shaded areas with 3−4 hours of direct daily sunlight. Palmetto has been recognized coast-to-coast as a landscaping standard since 1994, and is in use in thousands of landscapes. When properly maintained, Palmetto will deliver years of an aesthetically pleasing and functional lawn.

A love of cooking and baking led this Monticello homeowner to remodel her kitchen. The cabinets were upgraded to a more sophisticated, classic- yet trendy style. Special touches included a specialty storage space in the toe kick, along with traditional vertical storage space for cookie sheets and pots and pans. Riverside Construction swapped the double ovens and refrigerator to create a proper cooking zone while adding the functionality of double ovens. We also removed soffits to gain a valuable glass cabinet display area. New quartz countertops created a clean and elegant work surface and a white 3×6 beveled backsplash with an art deco border and under-cabinet lighting rounded out this sophisticated kitchen design.

The client had a finished basement space that was not functioning for the entire family. He spent a lot of time in his gym, which was not large enough to accommodate all his equipment and did not offer adequate space for aerobic activities. To appeal to the client's entertaining habits, a bar, gaming area, and proper theater screen needed to be added. There were some ceiling and lolly column restraints that would play a significant role in the layout of our new design, but the Gramophone Team was able to create a space in which every detail appeared to be there from the beginning. Rustic wood columns and rafters, weathered brick, and an exposed metal support beam all add to this design effect becoming real.
Maryland Photography Inc.
91
