The original kitchen was confined within four walls and our clients were eager to create a more open floor plan to provide more social interaction between the home chef (mom) and the 4 men in her life. By removing walls and borrowing a few extra square feet from the adjacent laundry room we were able to incorporate a 48” refrigerator and range, extra storage, a central island, increased workspaces and banquette seating into this modestly sized kitchen. This project was designed to provide both high function and high style while optimizing the influx of natural light from the enlarged kitchen windows. We maximized the space and created an open floor plan that improved traffic flow between the adjacent rooms. The custom cabinetry, stainless hood, shelves, and the professional faucet gives this rather traditional white kitchen a more modern design sensibility. Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Simple open storage provides easy access to towels and other daily necessities. Bryan designed and built the vanity unit, which with its open shelves makes the bathroom feel larger than it is. Double vessel sinks give the couple the ability to prepare for their days with out infringing on one another.

An outdoor kitchen with a direct pass through window to the interior kitchen provides a highly functional and useful daily and entertaining arrangement. The outdoor kitchen features a gas barbecue, refrigerator, sink and abundant counter space for food preparation.

When re-creating this families living spaces it was crucial to provide a timeless yet contemporary living room for adult entertaining and a fun colorful family room for family moments. The kitchen was done in timeless bright white and pops of color were added throughout to exemplify the families love of life! David Duncan Livingston

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

With respect to the notion of old-meets-new, the kitchen strikes a comfortable balance between materials. For the center island, Franklin repurposed original barn siding into cladding for the unit, painting it grey. The Corian counter top and stainless steel backsplash provide a cool contrast. A set of antique barstools was a fortunate find for the homeowner. Sourced from a local bar that had closed, all they needed was a little elbow grease to realize their full potential. It took days to remove years worth of nicotine stains from them, but as Franklin exclaims, "It was worth it because the old stools found a new home in an old barn!" The partial wall was designed to address a number of functional and aesthetic concerns. Dividing the workspace from the storage space, it keeps the pantry area out of view, and allows light to carry through this area of the home. Franklin also uses the wall as a means to display his growing teapot collection. "It’s funny," he confesses, "but I think they can entice people to sit down, have a cup of tea and converse (Imagine that in this world of technology!)" Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Patio - small contemporary stone patio idea in Denver

For this traditional kitchen remodel the clients chose Fieldstone cabinets in the Bainbridge door in Cherry wood with Toffee stain. This gave the kitchen a timeless warm look paired with the great new Fusion Max flooring in Chambord. Fusion Max flooring is a great real wood alternative. The flooring has the look and texture of actual wood while providing all the durability of a vinyl floor. This flooring is also more affordable than real wood. It looks fantastic! (Stop in our showroom to see it in person!) The Cambria quartz countertops in Canterbury add a natural stone look with the easy maintenance of quartz. We installed a built in butcher block section to the island countertop to make a great prep station for the cook using the new 36” commercial gas range top. We built a big new walkin pantry and installed plenty of shelving and countertop space for storage.

Polished concrete flooring carries out to the pool deck connecting the spaces, including a cozy sitting area flanked by a board form concrete fireplace, and appointed with comfortable couches for relaxation long after dark. Poolside chaises provide multiple options for lounging and sunbathing, and expansive Nano doors poolside open the entire structure to complete the indoor/outdoor objective. Photo credit: Ramona d'Viola

Example of a trendy blue tile corner shower design in Salt Lake City with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Harold Cross This spacious deck north of Des Moines in Ames features low-maintenance, Trex Transcend decking. Stairs wrap around the full front edge of the bayed deck, with a Belgard Urbana hardscaped landing easing the transition to the backyard. A cedar pergola sits over a portion of the deck and Belgard Tandem Wall columns and a planter box define the ares of the deck nicely. A Belgard Pizza Oven is the cooking centerpiece of this space. We integrated Belgard’s Tandem Wall stone into the pergola columns to provide more countertop space for this outdoor kitchen area. Lots of outdoor lighting on this space make it great for evening pizza parties.

This family room is modern yet warm and inviting. The TV is installed on a walnut panel with LED lights behind which seems to be floating separated from the wall. Below, the white lacquer floor unit provides functional concealed storage to all TV related equipment while keeping the room neat. A natural teak root serves with a beveled glass top as the coffee table. Two modern accent chairs upholstered with an innovative “magazine” print fabric provide comfortable seating while blending seamlessly with the mixture of natural elements in the room. Interior Design by Julissa De los Santos and the MH2G Design Team. Photography by Francisco Aguila

The Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project aims to create an exquisite outdoor living space that seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetics, and versatility. By incorporating a louvered roof system, folding doors, and an outdoor kitchen, this project offers the perfect setting for relaxation, entertainment, and culinary experiences. The centerpiece of this project is the louvered roof pergola. The louvered roof consists of adjustable slats that can be opened or closed, allowing for precise control over sunlight, shade, and ventilation. This feature enables occupants to adapt to changing weather conditions and preferences, providing a comfortable environment throughout the year. The pergola's folding doors provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors can be fully opened to extend the living area or closed to create a more intimate setting. The doors are designed to maximize natural light and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, while also providing privacy and security when needed. The outdoor kitchen complements the pergola, offering a convenient and functional space for cooking and dining. Equipped with high-quality appliances, ample counter space, and storage options, the kitchen enables the preparation of gourmet meals in an outdoor setting. It can include features such as a grill, sink, refrigerator, and seating area, creating an inviting space for socializing and culinary delights. Benefits and Uses: The Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project provides numerous benefits and uses, including: Outdoor Entertainment: The pergola and outdoor kitchen create an ideal space for hosting gatherings, parties, and barbecues. The versatile design allows for flexible seating arrangements and the integration of audiovisual equipment for an immersive entertainment experience. Relaxation and Recreation: The outdoor living area offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation, reading, or enjoying the beauty of nature. The adjustable louvered roof provides control over sunlight and shade, ensuring comfort and protection from the elements. Al Fresco Dining: The outdoor kitchen encourages al fresco dining experiences, enabling homeowners to enjoy meals in the fresh air and picturesque surroundings. The well-equipped kitchen facilitates effortless food preparation and enhances the overall dining experience. Increased Property Value: The addition of a louvered roof pergola with folding doors and an outdoor kitchen enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the property. This can increase the value of the home and attract potential buyers in the future. Sustainability Considerations: Incorporating sustainable elements into the project is crucial. The louvered roof system can be designed to capture rainwater for irrigation purposes, reducing water consumption. The use of energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in the outdoor kitchen minimizes energy consumption. Additionally, the choice of eco-friendly materials and landscaping practices ensures a sustainable and environmentally conscious design. Project Timeline and Budget: The project timeline will depend on the size and complexity of the outdoor living space. A professional design and construction team will be required to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The budget will vary based on the desired features, materials, and appliances, and should be established after careful consideration of all elements involved. In conclusion, the Louvered Roof Pergola with Folding Doors and Outdoor Kitchen project presents an opportunity to transform an ordinary outdoor space into a luxurious and functional oasis. By incorporating a louvered roof system, folding doors, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, this project offers a versatile and aesthetically pleasing environment for entertainment, relaxation, and culinary experiences.

Example of a mountain style beige tile beige floor freestanding bathtub design in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and beige countertops

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Design ideas for a mid-century modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Our clients had been in their home since the early 1980’s and decided it was time for some updates. We took on the kitchen, two bathrooms and a powder room. The primary objectives for the powder room were to update the materials and provide some storage in the small space. It was also important to the homeowners to have materials that would be easy to maintain over the long term. A Kohler tailored vanity and coordinating medicine cabinet provide ample storage for the small room. The dark wood vanity and textured wallpaper add contrast and texture to the home’s soft gray pallet. The integrated sink top and ceramic floor tile were budget-friendly and low maintenance. The homeowners were not too sure about the patterned floor tile but once installed it became one of their favorite elements of the project! 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 Miami Modern style custom bar replaced an old world dark wood style pub. This updated social gathering spot allows you to sit with your friends, enjoy a cocktail, and appreciate the commissioned art installation on the bar's backsplash wall, enhanced by wall-washed lighting. The italian bar chairs are upholstered in red leather and feature woven cane backs.

Susan Fisher Plotner, FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY
Example of a small classic dark wood floor powder room design in New York with an undermount sink, marble countertops and gray walls

The conversion of this iconic American barn into a Writer’s Studio was conceived of as a tranquil retreat with natural light and lush views to stimulate inspiration for both husband and wife. Originally used as a garage with two horse stalls, the existing stick framed structure provided a loft with ideal space and orientation for a secluded studio. Signature barn features were maintained and enhanced such as horizontal siding, trim, large barn doors, cupola, roof overhangs, and framing. New features added to compliment the contextual significance and sustainability aspect of the project were reclaimed lumber from a razed barn used as flooring, driftwood retrieved from the shores of the Hudson River used for trim, and distressing / wearing new wood finishes creating an aged look. Along with the efforts for maintaining the historic character of the barn, modern elements were also incorporated into the design to provide a more current ensemble based on its new use. Elements such a light fixtures, window configurations, plumbing fixtures and appliances were all modernized to appropriately represent the present way of life.