Reduce Utility - Photos & Ideas

Simple Timeless Primary Bathroom Refresh

The Setup For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners sought to transform their outdated, beige-toned space into a bright, functional sanctuary. The existing bathroom felt cramped and lifeless, with a small shower and limited storage options. The goal was to create a fresh, updated bathroom that maximizes the existing footprint while addressing specific desires for a more open, organized space with timeless materials. Design objectives: Brighten the bathroom and eliminate the dated beige color scheme Install a freestanding tub in a compact space Create a larger, more open shower without encroaching on the existing foot print too much Incorporate hidden storage solutions Maintain the existing bathroom layout while improving functionality Update lighting and fixtures to create a contemporary feel The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: - Compact Space Utilization – The small bathroom required careful planning to accommodate a freestanding tub while maintaining functionality and avoiding overcrowding. - Hidden Storage Integration – The clients wanted a discreet hamper solution that wouldn’t clutter the limited floor space. - Shower Niche Placement – With plumbing limitations and the clients’ desire to preserve their wavy accent tile wall, finding the perfect niche spot became a creative puzzle. - Tile and Finish Coordination – Selecting complementary white tile and floor materials that worked harmoniously together. - Larger Shower Space – Make the shower feel more open and brighter The Renewed Space Design solutions: - Strategic Tub Placement – The freestanding tub was carefully positioned to maximize space, with its faucet strategically placed to allow easy access while preserving walking room. We reduced the counter depth just a bit by the tub, allowing more room for hamper cabinet and window access. - Concealed Hamper Storage – A custom pull-out hamper was integrated into the vanity (right side, by tub), providing discreet storage within an 18-inch depth constraint. - Shower Plumbing Wall Niche – We shifted the niche left, just enough to work around the plumbing infrastructure and still score a roomy storage spot that looks intentional. - Sophisticated Selections – Porcelanosa curvy white tile, Kohler brushed gold fixtures, and a neutral grey tile floor created a simple, timeless aesthetic that will be loved years to come. - Open Shower – Replacing the side wall with a clear glass surround, continuing the tile on the ceiling and extending the footprint opened up this area to the room while allowing more natural lighting into the shower space. This bathroom transformation shows how thoughtful design turns challenges into opportunities. Brushed gold fixtures add warmth to the fresh white palette, while the perfectly balanced floor tile brings just the right depth. A partially glass-fronted vanity introduces subtle charm, giving the space a unique edge. Once cramped and outdated, this bathroom now feels bright, spacious, and serene—a testament to how every design detail makes a difference.

Rustic Crestview Backyard Retreat

Native Edge Landscape

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Clean and Contemporary

Renovisions

One of the hottest trends in bath design is open, clean-line spaces. This serene look is accomplished by reducing distractions caused by too many ornate details. This client approached Renovisions to remodel her outdated master bath and create a clean and uncluttered space with a contemporary flair. The bathtub and tile floor remains in the new design adding a small challenge to coordinate the right color selection for shower and tub surround tile. The existing bath’s fiberglass shower was cramped, under utilized and under styled, so Renovisions first enlarged the depth of the shower with a complete water proof system, hand-held shower and soap dish, corner shelf and safety grab bar. A teak veneer vanity was designed to compliment the client’s master bedroom teak furniture. A beautiful combination of sleek grey quartz countertop, rectangular under-mount sink, modern plumbing fixtures, stylish hardware and a simple yet elegant tilt mirror completed the contemporary look. This renewed master bath combines functionality and aesthetics in perfect harmony.

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Clean and Contemporary

Renovisions

AZUNI 25"L x 19"L Single Bowl Undermount 16G Reversible Workstation Kitchen Sink

Azuni Products

Create a sophisticated kitchen look with our AZUNI Sinks. Featuring this 25" x 19" x 10” Undermount Kitchen Sink. This workstation kitchen sink combines the best of both world: a bold stainless-steel single bowl sink with a functional workstation: built-in accessories that slide on the integrated tracks in the sink. This stainless-steel kitchen sink includes one luxury basket strainer, one drying rack, one bamboo cutting board and one bottom grid made of 100% stainless steel which will really help to protect your sink from dents or scratches. Handcrafted using premium 304 stainless steel with 16 gauge and 18/10 chrome/nickel content and featuring a refined brushed finished. This undermount kitchen sink has the drain towards the side for the best utilization of the space under the sink cabinet and centered allowing you install the sink with the drain to the left or to the right. Also, the stainless-steel kitchen sink basin has drain grooves for optimal drainage. This handmade stainless-steel sink combines functionality, quality, and affordability. The tight 10mm radius corners are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and careful hand polished, for a luxurious finish. This undermount kitchen sink is equipped with top-level soundproofing, including thick rubber dampening pads. Each sink is additionally treated with protective coating, which reduces condensation and further dampens sound. The corrosion-resistant surface is further protected from rust and oxidation by a meticulous finishing process. Commercial-grade satin finish and gently rounded corners make maintenance as simple as wiping the surface with a damp cloth. For easy installation, all mounting hardware is provided. Our sinks are Canadian designed and meet the highest plumbing standards of North America. AZUNI sinks are trusted by architects and builders for upscale projects and modern makeovers.

28 inches Dualmount Single Bowl 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink S-306TG

Stylish

Create a sophisticated kitchen look with our Styluxe Sink Series. Featuring this 28" x 18" dual mount Kitchen Sink. This stainless steel kitchen sink includes one luxury basket strainer and one bottom grid made of 100% stainless steel which will really help to protect your sink from dents or scratches. Handcrafted using premium 304 stainless steel with 18 gauge and 18/10 chrome/nickel content and featuring a refined brushed finished. This dual mount kitchen sink has the drain towards the rear, for better utilization of the space under the sink cabinet. Also, the stainless steel kitchen sink basin has drain grooves for optimal drainage. This handmade stainless steel sink combines functionality, quality, and affordability. The tight 10mm radius corners are perfectly blended through an automated machine buffing system, and careful hand polished, for a luxurious finish. This dual mount kitchen sink is equipped with top-level soundproofing, including thick rubber dampening pads. Each sink is additionally treated with protective coating, which reduces condensation and further dampens sound. The corrosion-resistant surface is further protected from rust and oxidation by a meticulous finishing process. Commercial-grade satin finish and gently rounded corners make maintenance as simple as wiping the surface with a damp cloth. For easy installation, all mounting hardware is provided. Our sinks are Canadian designed and meet the highest plumbing standards of North America. Stylish sinks are trusted by architects and builders for upscale projects and modern makeovers.

Spacious Master Bathroom with Large Shower in Mission Viejo

Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

This spacious bathroom renovation in Mission Viejo involved construction to tear down a built-in tub to make a more airy layout, while allowing the opportunity to enlarge the shower.

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Sunbury, OH

J.Holderby - Renovations4 Reviews

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Private Home with indoor pool

Kebony

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

Xeriscape: Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design.

Maine Midcoast Cottage

Beckstrom Architecture + Interiors

The house overlooks historic Damariscotta River with views to historic Damariscotta village. This house represents a move to the historic family roots of sea captains and prominent Maine residents. With the clients as co-creators was created a low impact, 'small from outside but big and diverse on the inside which allows extended family sharing. The project was bid and built to a high level on time & budget with the construction team. The house features super-insulated exterior wall/roof system and GeoThermal system heating/cooling system . Monthly utility costs are reduced significantly with the GeoThermal system which cost the same as typical fossil fuel system. The Mechanical Subcontractor, www.gagnongeothermal.com. Three floors of living in 8000sf/745m - 6 bdrm

Xeriscape: Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs

Native Modern Mueller

Native Edge Landscape

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

West 52nd Place Bathroom Renovation

TVL Creative Ltd.

Our clients’ recently purchase home is set in a picturesque location in Golden, Colorado. With idyllic square footage for raising a family, it was almost just what they wanted. However, the 90’s interior furnishings and dated layout didn’t feel like home. So, they reached out to TVL Creative to help them get the place move-in ready and feeling more 'them.' The scope of work included an overhaul of the master bathroom, full-home paint scheme, lighting updates, and new staircase railings. The most profound transformation within our scope was the master bathroom renovation. This luxurious space, built by TVL’s own Team Angel, is a calming retreat with gorgeous detailing throughout. Every part of this bathroom was gutted and we worked to establish a new concept and functional layout that would better serve our clients. As part of the transformative design, a calming symmetry was created by marrying the new vanity design with the existing architecture of the room. A feature tile accentuates the symmetrical composition of vanity and vaulted ceiling: large beveled mirrors and linear sconces bring the eye upward. Custom built-ins flanking the master bathroom sinks were designed to provide ample organized storage for linens and toiletries. A make-up vanity accented by a full height mirror and coordinating pendant rounds out the custom built-ins. Opposite the vanity wall is the commode room, bathtub, and a large shower. In the bathtub nook, the sculptural form of the Elise tub by MTI Baths compliments the arc of the picture window above. The Kohler Archer tub filler adds transitional and classy styling to the area. A quartz-topped bench running the length of the back wall provides a perfect spot for a glass of wine near the bath, while doubling as a gorgeous and functional seat in the shower. The bench was also utilized to move the bathtub off of the exterior wall and reduce the amount of awkward-to-clean floor space. In the shower, the upgrades feel limitless. We relocated the valve controls to the entry half wall for easy on/off access. We also created functionals shower niches that are tucked out of view for handy storage without aesthetic compromise. The shower features a lovely three-dimensional diamond accent tile and is wrapped in frameless glass for added light entry. In general, the space is outfitted with other stunning features including Kohler Archer fixtures throughout, Feiss decorative lighting, Amerock hardware on all built-ins, and cabinetry from Waypoint Living Spaces. From bachelor pad to first family home, it's been a pleasure to work with our client over the years! We will especially cherish our time working with them this time around to make their new house feel more like home.