Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

General Contractor: Hagstrom Builders | Photos: Corey Gaffer Photography
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Children's bedroom on the second floor of this completely remodeled beach house. Custom built bunk beds with custom built-ins for storage, wall paper to warm up the space and wood floors with a light finish reminiscent of sun bleached driftwood. French doors open to a second floor balcony with an amazing water view.

This second floor laundry area was created out of part of an existing master bathroom. It allowed the client to move their laundry station from the basement to the second floor, greatly improving efficiency.

This darling kids room is the perfect space for a growing family. The bright orange wall adds a sense of fun and excitement while the hardwood floors and thick trim keep the room warm and comfortable.

Following the immense success of the original EcoMod Home, EcoMod 2.0 takes modern urban construction to a whole new level. Featuring luxe outdoor spaces at every level, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2500 square foot home is redefining the way we live and entertain. The first floor is flooded with natural light and features a massive architectural beam which supports the 3 stories above and allows the first floor to be completely free of interior walls. An open switch back stair provides efficient movement between floors and offers unobstructed views throughout the house. The master suite opens to a generous private balcony, and the third floor wrap around deck features overhead doors which create an indoor outdoor connection that is second to none. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

The second floor laundry room is kept light and bright with white painted shaker style cabinetry, here in a frameless cabinet style, for a more budget friendly approach. White subway tile is installed on the backsplash in a more standard 3"x 6" module.

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Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
Example of a mid-sized country master carpeted and gray floor bedroom design with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
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Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
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Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
Mid-sized country master carpeted and gray floor bedroom photo with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
Example of a mid-sized cottage master carpeted and gray floor bedroom design with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Primary bedroom as part of second floor addition
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Upstairs hallway leading to new second floor addition
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The breakfast area adjoins the clean and open cooking and prep area with easy access to all cooking equipment. The floors are Marmoleum, and provide a sustainable and easy to clean surface. Photography by Ocular Proof.

Photo by Ross Anania
Inspiration for an industrial black tile and porcelain tile concrete floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Seattle with a one-piece toilet, green walls and an undermount sink

Working from the existing home’s deficits, we designed a bright and classic home well-suited to today’s living. Instead of a dark tunnel-like entry, we have a skylight custom curving stair that no one can believe is not original. Instead of a maze of rooms to reach the gorgeous park-like backyard, we have a clear central axis, allowing a sightline right through from the top of the stairs. Instead of three bedrooms scattered all over the house, we have zoned them to the second floor, each well-proportioned with a true master suite. Painted wood paneling, face-frame cabinets, box-beam beilings and Calacatta counters express the classic grandeur of the home.