THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Kessler Photography
Large transitional medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Omaha with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

This kitchen renovation involved a complete overhaul of the look and feel of the existing kitchen, and transforming it into a family-friendly kitchen that conformed to the client's aesthetic: modern, rustic and eclectic. The adjacent mudroom, laundry room and powder room were surveyed to see how much flexibility there was to enhance the kitchen layout while improving upon all of the spaces. The homeowners felt strongly about light painted cabinets and let us guide the rest of the design. The kitchen features separate and spacious work zones for the cook, bar area, clean-up crew, and diners. Materials with a rustic and industrial feel were selected. The white cabinets have a grey striated glaze which blends well with the heavily textured grey island cabinets and exposed reclaimed wood beams. The Neolith countertop has a unique metallic quality that compliments the hardware and zinc accents on the floating shelves and custom kitchen table. Finishing touches include the custom reclaimed wood pocket doors, a custom steel counter support, and iron light fixtures. Photo: Peter Krupenye

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake.

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

This kitchen renovation involved a complete overhaul of the look and feel of the existing kitchen, and transforming it into a family-friendly kitchen that conformed to the client's aesthetic: modern, rustic and eclectic. The adjacent mudroom, laundry room and powder room were surveyed to see how much flexibility there was to enhance the kitchen layout while improving upon all of the spaces. The homeowners felt strongly about light painted cabinets and let us guide the rest of the design. The kitchen features separate and spacious work zones for the cook, bar area, clean-up crew, and diners. Materials with a rustic and industrial feel were selected. The white cabinets have a grey striated glaze which blends well with the heavily textured grey island cabinets and exposed reclaimed wood beams. The Neolith countertop has a unique metallic quality that compliments the hardware and zinc accents on the floating shelves and custom kitchen table. Finishing touches include the custom reclaimed wood pocket doors, a custom steel counter support, and iron light fixtures. Photo: Peter Krupenye

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

Large transitional galley light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and white countertops

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

Acero Series - Hardware Detail Offering exquisite craftsmanship with attention to detail and superior functionality. Inspired by the minimal use of metal and precision crafted design of our Matrix Series, the Acero frameless, shower enclosure offers a clean, Architectural statement ideal for any transitional or contemporary bath setting. With built-in adjustability to fit almost any wall condition and a range of glass sizes available, the Acero will complement your bath and stall opening. Acero is constructed with durable, stainless steel hardware combined with 3/8" optimum clear (low-iron), tempered glass that is protected with EnduroShield glass coating. A truly frameless, sliding door is supported by a rectangular stainless steel rail eliminating the typical header. Two machined stainless steel rollers allow you to effortlessly operate the enclosure. Finish choices include Brushed Stainless Steel and High Polished Stainless Steel.

A charming farmhouse received some TLC while still retaining its original appeal, with the kitchen overlooking a new sunken family room offering expansive bucolic views. Low ceilings and two support beams presented a major challenge. The beams got a coffered treatment, and crown molding continues around the entire space to lead the eye upward. The design revolved around a striking 71” La Cornue range in a soft steel blue. “Dove White” cabinetry was chosen for the perimeter, with Benjamin Moore “Iron” for the island and wet bar. Paneled refrigerator and freezer columns are paired with a microwave drawer on one side of the kitchen and a small desk near the family room. Ever-popular marble countertops and a waterfall island supply up-to-date style. A herringbone layout highlights the marble subway tiles. A surprise injection of industrial form is the black “broach”-style handle on the pot-filler faucet. Brass pulls and trim on the seeded glass pendants add an elegant touch. The opposite side of the room features a wet bar with beverage refrigerator. Retro tube and glass shelving in black and brass sit against the antique mirror backsplash. Here the brass pulls have a prismatic surface for extra sparkle.

Open kitchen design with white shaker cabinets and a large custom Island. 12x24 gray tile ties in with the stone backsplash and quartz countertop. The navy/blue island anchors the kitchen and adds some needed color. - Shot by Matt Kocourek

Trex Cape Cod Adirondack in Classic White featured on a Trex Select composite deck in the shade Pebble Grey, with Trex Select railing in Classic White and Pebble Grey.

A charming farmhouse received some TLC while still retaining its original appeal, with the kitchen overlooking a new sunken family room offering expansive bucolic views. Low ceilings and two support beams presented a major challenge. The beams got a coffered treatment, and crown molding continues around the entire space to lead the eye upward. The design revolved around a striking 71” La Cornue range in a soft steel blue. “Dove White” cabinetry was chosen for the perimeter, with Benjamin Moore “Iron” for the island and wet bar. Paneled refrigerator and freezer columns are paired with a microwave drawer on one side of the kitchen and a small desk near the family room. Ever-popular marble countertops and a waterfall island supply up-to-date style. A herringbone layout highlights the marble subway tiles. A surprise injection of industrial form is the black “broach”-style handle on the pot-filler faucet. Brass pulls and trim on the seeded glass pendants add an elegant touch. The opposite side of the room features a wet bar with beverage refrigerator. Retro tube and glass shelving in black and brass sit against the antique mirror backsplash. Here the brass pulls have a prismatic surface for extra sparkle.

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

This Stoneunlimited Kitchen is nearly unrecognizable after its renovation from its once outdated past. A wall separated the kitchen from the dining space. Taking down the wall and installing a slide in range in the island, opened up the kitchen and made the space expansive. Floor to ceiling Waypoint cabinets in Linen finish with glass upper doors were installed on the wall of the refrigerator and desk which now provide maximum storage capacity. The large island is the focal point of the room and provides a space for cooking meals. The island was also designed to replace the breakfast table that had been used previously. Our client opted for a darker finish called Cherry Slate on the Waypoint cabinets which match the floating shelves on the tiled wall of the sink. Three substantially sized turned posts were used to support the 10 ft. Raineer countertop.

This kitchen renovation involved a complete overhaul of the look and feel of the existing kitchen, and transforming it into a family-friendly kitchen that conformed to the client's aesthetic: modern, rustic and eclectic. The adjacent mudroom, laundry room and powder room were surveyed to see how much flexibility there was to enhance the kitchen layout while improving upon all of the spaces. The homeowners felt strongly about light painted cabinets and let us guide the rest of the design. The kitchen features separate and spacious work zones for the cook, bar area, clean-up crew, and diners. Materials with a rustic and industrial feel were selected. The white cabinets have a grey striated glaze which blends well with the heavily textured grey island cabinets and exposed reclaimed wood beams. The Neolith countertop has a unique metallic quality that compliments the hardware and zinc accents on the floating shelves and custom kitchen table. Finishing touches include the custom reclaimed wood pocket doors, a custom steel counter support, and iron light fixtures. Photo: Peter Krupenye

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got. It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall. The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland. The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to match the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is. I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces. Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation. For those who cannot live tiny, I offer the Tiny-ish House. Photos by Ryan Gamma Staging by iStage Homes Design Assistance Jimmy Thornton