Search results for "Proper functioning" in Home Design Ideas

Mom and kids both love baking, the kitchen was outdated and didn’t have proper venting, which made this passion a challenge. We needed to create a bright, updated, and functional space for the family. The Dining Room wasn’t being used because they would tend to gather at the Dinette table for all meals. The clients wanted to figure out a way to force themselves to want to use the Dining Room area more. They weren’t afraid to add bold colors, so we played with cabinet colors and added a vibrant piece of artwork for a pop of color.

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, our clients enjoy a 4-acre estate where they have developed the property for a "park" and "garden" like feel with lots of privacy and sound barrier from the neighbors and busy street along the front. They travel a lot for work and want to be able to come home and enjoy their own backyard oasis that is properly maintained and cared for. They also have 4 grandchildren who live on part of the property and roam around everywhere, so having lots of manicured lawn space to drive their toys around on, explore, etc. is important too.
We service the property one day per week, since they retain a full-time porter. However, he is stretched thin as doesn't tend to much of the landscaping as needed as he's typically working on other side projects for the client. In order to complete our maintenance work within 5 hours on our service day, we work diligently with the client and the client’ assistant to constantly communicate issues we see and/or need to have resolved. Thankfully our client is very quick to respond and allows us an abundance of freedom to make necessary improvements when deemed necessary.
Additionally, last minute work functions and/or parties are often hosted at their house. We often times have to respond quickly with an extra service visit, service date change, seasonal color change, bed mulching, etc. to help get it ready for their company.
We value the trust and communication we have with this client and look forward to working with them for years to come!

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.
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Bender was able to take an old, closed in 1927 kitchen and transform it into an open transitional kitchen that functions properly for a 2014 family. Durable and washable cabinets make for ease of use, while sealed marble countertops give this space a luxurious feel.
Photo Credit: Jim Fuhrmann

Located in Chicago, Illinois, this contemporary styled custom wine cellar is a great looking, yet functional addition to the home. Wine rooms like this that store wine properly also create an impressive back lit display and are emerging as the “must have” home feature for a high end home owner. The client’s goal was to be able to store somewhere around 800 bottles of wine in a modern looking, but limited space. In designing this wine cellar, the walls were created in imitation of a wood finish, horizontal, and clean looking display racks.

This kitchen renovation features custom rift white oak cabinetry and painted cabinetry in Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green HC-157. The slab cabinet doors and drawers with concealed pulls creates a clean minimalist look with beautiful horizontal tile. This kitchen uses an interesting mixture of metal finishes including a custom copper hood and back splash with other black accents. Seating was maximized with the use of a custom wood banquette. The use of specialty inserts such as a pot and pan pullout, peg drawers for dishes, cutlery divider, oil and spice pullouts ensure that everything has its proper place and maximized functional storage.

This full yard remodel was designed to enhance both function and curb appeal. Custom patina metal planters were installed in the backyard and front yard to add visual interest and a modern, timeless touch. Faux turf was incorporated to replace high-traffic areas and eliminate persistent muddy spots, creating a clean and low-maintenance landscape solution.
Special care was taken to preserve existing mature trees, with custom turf cutouts around established trunks to allow for proper growth and drainage. The result is a cohesive, pet-friendly outdoor space that stays green year-round while maintaining the natural character of the property.

The homeowner of this 1970’s Mid-Century Modern home in St. Paul was seeking a space that would function efficiently for their family of 3. Their old 70’s kitchen was truly falling apart and there were almost no countertops to utilize the space effectively. The old kitchen was too closed in and tight and lacked the proper work zones. It was important to the client to have durable finishes and to create an updated aesthetic that married the original homes style.
We demoed a wall from kitchen to hallway to back sunroom to help open up the space. However, we kept the beautiful fireplace and brick wall and used this as a new feature wall in the kitchen for cabinets and floating shelves. We also added pop-up outlets here so we could meet code and not have to drill through pretty original brick.
The overall space achieved the Mid-Century and Scandinavian Modern look by including minimal finishes, crisp lines and pops of color texture. For example, in the dining room, we kept one corner cabinet and painted a bright green for a pop of color to bring the Scandinavian mod style into the room. The aesthetic is enhanced with light-stained frameless cherry cabinetry from Crystal cabinets, a chevron tile backsplash, and beautiful Silestone quartz countertops.
To bring their kitchen up to date, we updated all electrical and HVAC with a new a new range hood. The client chose sustainable Adura luxury vinyl plank flooring in both the kitchen and dining room. To round out the remodel, we installed new custom modern iron railings by Loftus Iron at the stairwell.
Personal touches are found throughout the new space with the homeowner’s travel collections and records proudly displayed on the floating shelves. Overall, the clients were so happy to have this great kitchen for when the 2020 pandemic hit and cooking ALL meals at home in conjunction to learning to work and attend school from home for their family. They couldn’t be happier.

Perfect Pools designed an outdoor space that worked well for this Vienna, VA home. We wanted to keep the proper amount of green space still while making the space functional. This pool is in the town of Vienna, so extra steps were needed for the permitting process.
We used a Flagstone Patio with additional Bluestone Steppers to Landscape the area. This Pool has an Auto Cover to help not only with safety, but to also help retain heat for the cooler evenings. The interior finish is a SGM Riverrock Pebble.

We transformed the kitchen into a visually stunning and highly functional space. By enhancing the layout for improved efficiency, we added proper storage solutions and modernized the finishes to elevate the overall design. A custom vent hood was incorporated for both style and practicality, while rich blue cabinetry paired with elegant brass hardware brings a bold, sophisticated touch to the space.

Timeless, Tailored & Completely Livable — Primary Suite, Foyer & Whole-Home Interior Design | Raleigh, NC
This project is a study in how to make a home feel both elevated and deeply personal. Warm tones, natural wood, thoughtful layering of pattern and texture, and fixture choices that feel curated rather than catalog — every room earns its place.
The foyer makes an immediate impression. Herringbone hardwood floors set a classic tone underfoot, while gray grasscloth wallpaper adds warmth and texture to the walls. A brass cage lantern flush mount and wainscoting complete the entry, making it feel finished without being fussy. It's the kind of space that makes guests pause.
The primary bedroom is the project's centerpiece. A brass spindle bed frame anchors the room with quiet drama, flanked by walnut nightstands with brass legs and topped with a pair of extraordinarily custom lighting moments — multi-rod pendant chandeliers in brass and glass that hang from ceiling canopies, functioning as both bedside task lighting and sculptural focal points. Soft blue-gray custom drapery in a tonal dash-dot pattern hangs floor to ceiling on brass rods, layered over woven shades for light control and warmth. A pair of oatmeal linen swivel chairs with a marble-topped brass side table creates a proper sitting area at the foot of the bed. Floral accent pillows in terracotta and rust, an orange bolster, and a geometric cream and blue area rug give the neutral palette its energy. A modern minimalist white ceiling fan balances the traditional bones of the room beautifully.
The primary bathroom is a full gut renovation executed at the highest level. Warm walnut cabinetry with raised panel detailing runs the full length of a double vanity, topped with white quartz and finished with polished nickel hardware and fixtures throughout. A heated towel warmer, large format Calacatta-look marble tile floors, individual rounded-rectangle nickel-framed mirrors, and nickel sconces round out the vanity wall. The shower is nothing short of a spa experience — floor-to-ceiling Calacatta marble tile in large format, a ceiling-mounted rain head, wall-mounted traditional shower head, hand shower on a slide bar, linear drain, floating bench seat, and grab bars integrated so seamlessly they feel designed rather than added. A second bathroom receives the same care: dark walnut cabinetry, white quartz, polished nickel fixtures, a custom patterned Roman shade, and a cylindrical glass sconce with brass accent.
The walk-in pantry was designed with the same intentionality as every other room — white cabinetry, open upper shelving, a dedicated wine rack with both vertical and horizontal bottle storage, a second refrigerator, and dramatic swirling granite countertops that make even the utility spaces feel considered.

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space.
By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface.
Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment.
A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

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

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

New windows, floors, powder room and basement:
We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows.
Flipped around and redesigned kitchen:
We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one.
Disappearing balcony and drafty door:
To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window.
We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could:
There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future.
New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos:
Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks.
We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

This cute & functioning bathroom had a tight budget but because of colour selection and proper placement, it looks classic and fresh.
Photo's by Rachel L. Hudson

Graybox is a 950 sq. ft. studio environment designed and built by NILES to redefine what a home-based creative space can be. The client wanted a light-filled, timeless studio that balanced aesthetic warmth with the precision and durability of a commercial facility. Our team handled the full scope—from architectural acoustics and mechanical planning to framing, treatments, electrical distribution, and final integration.
The Control Room is a compact, golden-ratio mix suite engineered for accuracy, featuring a finely tuned treatment plan and a Barefoot monitor system. The Live Room gains surprising scale from its 16’ ceiling, delivering sonic depth and natural ambience ideal for full-band tracking, ensemble sessions, or detailed acoustic work. Expansive glass and natural light shape the visual character of the studio while maintaining controlled isolation and proper acoustic performance.
This space was built to function as a dual-purpose creative hub for music recording and video production. The open layout supports multi-camera film shoots, quick-turn content capture, and flexible session flow. Engineers, producers, and artists can walk in, sit down, and work immediately thanks to intuitive wiring paths, plug-and-play audio infrastructure, and a layout designed for seamless movement between rooms.
Graybox has become a go-to destination for both recording and visual content, hosting sessions and video work for Capitol Records, Meinl Cymbals, The Dove Awards, Gibson, and many others. The result is a studio that feels as inspiring as it sounds—purpose-built, timeless, and engineered for long-term creative use.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish.
Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent.
The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material.
Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible.
Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome.
The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish.
Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent.
The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material.
Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible.
Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome.
The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

Under Stair Closet – Finish Details ?✨
Custom MDF finish doors paired with a clean white interior for a seamless, modern look.
• Push-to-open flat doors with heavy-duty slide system
• Multiple storage sections designed for smooth and easy access
• Left-side filler panel installed for a clean, built-in appearance
• Additional filler panels installed between sections to properly support the slide system
Designed for a sleek finish with both functionality and durability in mind.

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.
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