Search results for "Reflective add ons" in Home Design Ideas

Step into the rejuvenation of a 1956 Golden Valley home, once owned by the clients’ mothers and now transformed under their ownership with a much-needed kitchen remodel. The original kitchen lacked countertop storage, featured outdated cabinets with black hinges and handles, embraced the typical soffits of the 50s era, and lacked an inviting ambiance.
Fueled by a passion for the outdoors and gardening, the homeowners opted for earthy green cabinets from Crystal Cabinets, seamlessly blending with the natural sanctuary just beyond their back door. The addition of a black glaze over the green cabinets, along with walnut accents, brought warmth and personality to the space, achieving the cozy, friendly vibe the homeowners desired.
Prioritizing functionality, a center island was introduced for entertaining grandchildren, top-of-the-line Subzero and Wolf appliances were seamlessly incorporated, and customized storage solutions were implemented to cater to the homeowners’ specific cooking needs. Soffits were removed, a closet with a vent stack was repurposed, and the vinyl floor was replaced with new hardwood to match the living room seamlessly.
The homeowners’ collection of brass kitchenware found its elegant showcase in a traditional hutch with opaque seedy glass doors, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. Personal touches, such as hand-selecting a granite stone slab reminiscent of their favorite landscape in Duluth, a glazed ceramic tile backsplash reaching the ceiling line, and the inclusion of Bicycle Glass, a local artisan, for wall sconces and pendants, further enhanced the kitchen’s unique character. Blown glass orbs soften sightlines, while the gold/black brilliance kitchen faucet with a textured handle adds a playful touch. Every aspect of this new kitchen is a reflection of the homeowners’ down-to-earth personalities, creating a space that is both functional and filled with personality.

This thoughtfully designed nursery blends timeless elegance with playful charm, creating a warm and nurturing space for both parents and child. Designed by Crespo Design Group, the room features a calming palette of soft sage green, warm neutrals, and natural wood tones that create a serene atmosphere while allowing whimsical details to shine. Every element was carefully selected to provide comfort, functionality, and enduring style that will grow with the family.
A custom upholstered daybed offers the perfect place for reading, relaxing, or overnight guests, while the natural wood crib, cozy nursery chair, and plush ottoman create a comfortable setting for everyday moments. Tailored floor-to-ceiling drapery, luxurious textiles, and a soft patterned area rug add warmth and texture, while playful artwork and curated accessories introduce personality without compromising the room's sophisticated design. The balance of refined furnishings and child-friendly details creates a nursery that is both beautiful and practical.
Designed with longevity in mind, this luxury nursery combines custom furnishings, premium materials, and timeless design principles to create a space that can easily evolve as the child grows. Every detail reflects Crespo Design Group's commitment to creating interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful.
As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in designing custom nurseries, children's bedrooms, and luxury family homes throughout Florida, the United States, and the Bahamas. Every project is tailored to each family's lifestyle, resulting in thoughtfully designed interiors that combine exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and timeless elegance.

This inviting sitting room by Crespo Design Group blends modern organic design with timeless comfort, creating the perfect space for conversation and relaxation. A palette of warm ochre lounge chairs, natural wood accents, layered textures, and oversized windows fills the room with natural light while creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Custom drapery, contemporary artwork, and curated accessories add depth and personality, reflecting a refined yet approachable luxury aesthetic.
Designed to encourage connection, the circular furniture arrangement centers around a sculptural wood coffee table, creating an intimate gathering space that balances comfort with elegant design. The combination of rich upholstery, woven textiles, indoor greenery, and statement lighting introduces warmth and visual interest while maintaining a clean, modern feel. Every detail has been thoughtfully selected to create a serene environment that complements today's luxury lifestyle.
As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in custom residential interiors, luxury living spaces, and whole-home interior design throughout Florida, the United States, and the Bahamas. Our bespoke interiors combine timeless craftsmanship, curated furnishings, and personalized design solutions to create homes that are both beautiful and highly functional.
Find the right local pro for your project

Before purchasing their early 20th-century Prairie-style home, perfect in so many ways for their growing family, the parents asked LiLu whether its imperfections could be remedied. Specifically, they were sad to leave a kid-focused happy home full of color, pattern, texture, and durability thanks to LiLu. Could the new house, with lots of woodwork, be made brighter and lighter? Of course. In the living areas, LiLu selected a high-gloss turquoise paint that reflects light for selected cabinets and the fireplace surround; the color complements original handmade blue-green tile in the home. Graphic floral and abstract prints, and furnishings and accessories in lively shades of pink, were layered throughout to create a bright, playful aesthetic. Elsewhere, staircase spindles were painted turquoise to bring out their arts-and-craft design and heighten the abstract wallpaper and striped runner. Wallpaper featuring 60s-era superheroes, metallic butterflies, cartoon bears, and flamingos enliven other rooms of the house. In the kitchen, an orange island adds zest to cream-colored cabinets and brick backsplash. The family’s new home is now their happy home.
------
Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in.
------
For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/
----
To learn more about this project, click here:
https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/posh-playhouse-2-kitchen/

Nestled against the serene backdrop of Lake Sammamish, this mid-century modern house has undergone a breathtaking architectural renovation that blends warm design with contemporary elegance. The heart of the home is a stunning custom plaster wall, its soft texture and warm hues creating an inviting focal point that beautifully contrasts with the clean lines and expansive windows. The natural light floods the living spaces, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the entire renovation. Every angle reveals the tranquil lake, with views that seem to stretch infinitely, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection with nature.
The kitchen stands as a testament to modern luxury, featuring rift-sawn white oak cabinets that evoke warmth and sophistication. Their intricate grain patterns add depth, while the smooth quartz countertops provide both durability and a sleek aesthetic. The custom cabinetry showcases innovative storage solutions, making it not only a visual delight but also an incredibly functional space for family gatherings. Each detail was thoughtfully considered, with the architect and builder collaborating closely to ensure that the design met the unique needs of the family, resulting in a kitchen that is as joyful to cook in as it is beautiful to behold.
The renovation also shines with elegant ceramic white light fixtures that gracefully offset the stunning views of Lake Sammamish. These fixtures not only illuminate the spaces but also serve as sculptural accents that enhance the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic. Their soft glow complements the natural light, casting a warm ambiance throughout the day and evening. In the heart of the kitchen, a custom breakfast nook beckons, designed with furniture thoughtfully selected by the architect to create an intimate gathering space. Here, the family can savor their morning coffee while soaking in the breathtaking vistas, turning each breakfast into a cherished communion with the tranquil beauty of the lake. This cozy corner not only fosters connection but also encapsulates the spirit of the home, where every meal becomes a celebration of nature and togetherness.
In the primary bathroom, exquisite glass tiles shimmer like jewels, transforming the space into a serene retreat. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to quality and style, with each element harmonizing to create a luxurious yet comfortable environment. Throughout the home, the architect’s vision is complemented by the builder’s expertise, ensuring that every feature—from the placement of windows to the flow of rooms—enhances the family’s experience. The result is a haven of happiness, where each room invites creativity, connection, and tranquility, making this residence not just a house, but a cherished home.

This coastal Malibu bathroom was designed to capture natural light, clean lines, and effortless luxury. Featuring a custom stone vanity with integrated sinks, this space highlights precision fabrication and a seamless, modern aesthetic.
Large-format porcelain tiles and a frameless glass shower enclosure create an open, spa-like environment, while warm wood cabinetry adds balance and texture. The neutral palette reflects the surrounding Malibu landscape, bringing a calm, coastal feel indoors.
Every detail—from slab selection to fabrication and installation—was executed by Milano Granite with a focus on durability, function, and elevated design.
Serving Malibu, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Los Angeles, Milano Granite specializes in high-end custom countertops, bathroom vanities, and full-scale stone installations for luxury homes.
Looking to transform your bathroom? Contact Milano Granite to bring your vision to life.

To infuse a pop of color into the overall design, we took cues from the client's cherished art piece of cherry blossoms they bought in Napa, CA, which boasts captivating shades of ruby red. With a keen eye for balance, we introduced vibrant ruby-red counter stools, beautifully complementing the neutral tones of the space.
This careful integration of color, along with the subtle gold accents and the chandeliers' soft bubbles, not only adds personality but also serves as a delightful reminder of the beauty of cherry blossoms and the cherished memories associated with the art piece.
We are proud to have brought this vision to life and to have created a space where our client can unwind and embrace the tranquil spirit of ocean living while cherishing the essence of cherry blossoms. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this project, and we look forward to continuing to create inspiring spaces that reflect the unique tastes and desires of our clients.

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

dyllic Escape is a home designed to balance bold glamour with serene, resort-inspired living. Teal accents and metallic finishes flow through the spaces, creating a sense of harmony and personality that reflects the family’s unique story.
The master suite offers a tranquil retreat, blending masculine structure with soft, inviting textures. A custom geometric headboard mirrors the sleek fireplace, while layers of fabric and finishes add warmth and depth. In the kitchen, brass fixtures and marble surfaces unite luxury and function, anchoring the home’s sophisticated design. The family room features a striking bookmatched stone fireplace, tying together rich textures and accents of color. Personal details, like the sari-inspired rug in the lounge and the handcrafted lazy Susan in the dining room, honor the homeowners’ cultural heritage while elevating each space.
Outdoors, the poolside lounge extends the home’s elegance with a cozy sectional and egg chair framed by architectural screens. This serene space encourages connection, relaxation, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Idyllic Escape is the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility—a home where every detail tells a story, and every space feels like an invitation to unwind.

This luxury modern bathroom remodel in Newport Beach by Revival Contractors of Orange County captures the essence of refined sophistication and timeless design. The space features a stunning floating vanity in natural oak, paired with a striking bookmatched marble countertop and backsplash that showcase dramatic veining and artistry.
Dual integrated sinks with brushed brass wall-mounted faucets complement the rich textures and neutral palette, creating balance between modern precision and natural warmth. Two rectangular mirrors framed in matte black are flanked by vertical LED sconces, providing soft, ambient lighting that enhances both elegance and function.
The subtle zellige-style tile wall adds artisanal texture, while hidden under-vanity lighting softly illuminates the floor, giving the space an inviting, spa-like glow. Each element — from the handcrafted finishes to the thoughtful layering of materials — reflects Revival Contractors’ mastery in high-end remodeling, modern bathroom design, and custom cabinetry for discerning Orange County homeowners.

This stunning custom pool is a perfect balance of modern sophistication and timeless tradition.
At over 40,000 gallons, this large-scale pool was engineered with meticulous precision. It features two chillers for optimal temperature control and an advanced in-floor cleaning system with 75 strategically placed heads to ensure effortless maintenance and crystal-clear water.
Aesthetically, the design showcases clean, contemporary lines softened by warm, traditional details. The raised brick beam mirrors the home’s exterior, while imported black limestone coping adds a striking, high-end finish that contrasts beautifully with the reflective water surface. The pool’s position—centered on the covered patio—creates a direct visual connection to the home, inviting effortless indoor-outdoor living.
The result is a showpiece that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and architectural harmony—a backyard retreat that is as functional as it is visually captivating.

Built on a steep lakeside terrain, the Tsuga residence by Appareil Architecture is an ambitious project that required meticulous planning and flawless execution. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Brownsburg-Chatham, Tsuga elevates a complex site to offer a seamless immersion in nature. Balancing the site’s constraints with a high level of finish, every phase of the project was designed to reconcile technical challenges with precision. Modulor expertly managed all collaborators, ensuring a level of detail that defines a project of this scale.
On the exterior, the building envelope combines durability with refinement. Carefully selected natural wood cladding interacts with a perforated screen that filters light and adds depth to the façade. The integration of openings was strategically planned to maximize views while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression.
Inside, the materials and finishes reflect the same commitment to quality. Wooden paneling wraps the spaces, creating visual continuity and a warm atmosphere. The stainless steel kitchen, with its clean lines and custom design, introduces a striking contrast between modernity and natural textures. Every junction, every material transition was meticulously crafted to ensure a flawless result, with no compromises on durability or functionality.
Designed for an architectural historian and a musician and opera singer, Tsuga is the result of meticulous craftsmanship. A home built to stand the test of time, with an unwavering attention to detail.

Nestled against the serene backdrop of Lake Sammamish, this mid-century modern house has undergone a breathtaking architectural renovation that blends warm design with contemporary elegance. The heart of the home is a stunning custom plaster wall, its soft texture and warm hues creating an inviting focal point that beautifully contrasts with the clean lines and expansive windows. The natural light floods the living spaces, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the entire renovation. Every angle reveals the tranquil lake, with views that seem to stretch infinitely, inviting the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection with nature.
The kitchen stands as a testament to modern luxury, featuring rift-sawn white oak cabinets that evoke warmth and sophistication. Their intricate grain patterns add depth, while the smooth quartz countertops provide both durability and a sleek aesthetic. The custom cabinetry showcases innovative storage solutions, making it not only a visual delight but also an incredibly functional space for family gatherings. Each detail was thoughtfully considered, with the architect and builder collaborating closely to ensure that the design met the unique needs of the family, resulting in a kitchen that is as joyful to cook in as it is beautiful to behold.
The renovation also shines with elegant ceramic white light fixtures that gracefully offset the stunning views of Lake Sammamish. These fixtures not only illuminate the spaces but also serve as sculptural accents that enhance the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic. Their soft glow complements the natural light, casting a warm ambiance throughout the day and evening. In the heart of the kitchen, a custom breakfast nook beckons, designed with furniture thoughtfully selected by the architect to create an intimate gathering space. Here, the family can savor their morning coffee while soaking in the breathtaking vistas, turning each breakfast into a cherished communion with the tranquil beauty of the lake. This cozy corner not only fosters connection but also encapsulates the spirit of the home, where every meal becomes a celebration of nature and togetherness.
In the primary bathroom, exquisite glass tiles shimmer like jewels, transforming the space into a serene retreat. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to quality and style, with each element harmonizing to create a luxurious yet comfortable environment. Throughout the home, the architect’s vision is complemented by the builder’s expertise, ensuring that every feature—from the placement of windows to the flow of rooms—enhances the family’s experience. The result is a haven of happiness, where each room invites creativity, connection, and tranquility, making this residence not just a house, but a cherished home.

This expansive great room exemplifies the art of luxury open-concept living, seamlessly connecting the living room, kitchen, and outdoor entertaining areas into one sophisticated and inviting space. Designed by Crespo Design Group, the room features custom furnishings, a calming palette of soft neutrals, layered textures, and timeless architectural details that create an atmosphere of effortless elegance. Every element has been thoughtfully selected to enhance comfort while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and refined design.
At the heart of the room, a custom oversized sectional and upholstered lounge chairs are arranged around sculptural wood coffee tables, creating an inviting gathering space for family and guests. Marble-look porcelain flooring, designer lighting, bespoke furnishings, and carefully curated accessories add warmth and sophistication, while expansive sliding glass doors flood the home with natural light and blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Designed for the Florida lifestyle, this luxury great room opens directly to a spacious covered lanai, creating the perfect environment for entertaining and everyday living. The seamless connection between the interior, gourmet kitchen, and outdoor spaces maximizes functionality while celebrating the beauty of resort-style living.
As a premier luxury interior design firm in Tampa, Florida, Crespo Design Group specializes in designing custom homes that reflect each client's lifestyle through timeless interiors, exceptional craftsmanship, and personalized design. From luxury living rooms and open-concept great rooms to complete custom residences and whole-home renovations, every project is carefully tailored to create spaces that are elegant, functional, and enduring.

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

This San Diego backyard was designed to feel like a private resort, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time outdoors year-round.
At the heart of the space is a sleek custom pool and raised spa, finished with glass tile and surrounded by large-format porcelain decking. A raised stone wall with spillway water features adds movement and creates a beautiful focal point from throughout the yard.
The standout feature is the covered outdoor kitchen and bar pavilion, designed as a true outdoor living room. The structure includes exposed beams, integrated lighting, ceiling fans, and heaters for year-round comfort. A large quartz bar island provides seating for guests, while the kitchen includes a professional grill, refrigeration, and plenty of prep space.
Behind the bar, a decorative tile feature wall with floating shelves and a large outdoor TV creates the perfect setting for game days or evening gatherings.
An elevated lounge terrace with chaise seating, shade umbrellas, and a fire feature offers another place to unwind, while layered lighting and subtle pool illumination bring the entire backyard to life at night.
This project reflects Evoscapes’ approach to luxury backyard design in San Diego, combining modern pool construction, outdoor kitchen design, and thoughtful landscape architecture to create a seamless outdoor living experience.

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall.
Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720
The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper.
A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project.
Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

This boy's bedroom reflects his love of astronomy with a custom wallpaper accent wall of the Milky Way. A cozy striped rug keeps it fun and is perfect for playing with toys on. Bedside tables in navy coordinate nicely with the starry night, and the white wood blinds lighten the look.
Erika Bierman Photography

Master Bedroom: This suburban New Jersey couple wanted the architectural features of this expansive bedroom to truly shine, and we couldn't agree more. We painted the walls a rich color to highlight the vaulted ceilings and brick fireplace, and kept draperies simple to show off of the huge windows and lovely country view. We added a batten board treatment on the back wall to enhance the bed as the focal point and create a farmhouse chic feel. We love the chandelier floating above, reflecting light across the room off of each dangling crystal teardrop. Similar to the dining room, we let texture do the heavy lifting to add visual depth as opposed to color or pattern. Neutral tones in linen, metallic, shagreen, brick (fireplace), and wood create a light and airy space with plenty of textural details to appreciate.
Photo Credit: Erin Coren, Curated Nest Interiors

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida

This gorgeous home renovation was a fun project to work on. The goal for the whole-house remodel was to infuse the home with a fresh new perspective while hinting at the traditional Mediterranean flare. We also wanted to balance the new and the old and help feature the customer’s existing character pieces. Let's begin with the custom front door, which is made with heavy distressing and a custom stain, along with glass and wrought iron hardware. The exterior sconces, dark light compliant, are rubbed bronze Hinkley with clear seedy glass and etched opal interior.
Moving on to the dining room, porcelain tile made to look like wood was installed throughout the main level. The dining room floor features a herringbone pattern inlay to define the space and add a custom touch. A reclaimed wood beam with a custom stain and oil-rubbed bronze chandelier creates a cozy and warm atmosphere.
In the kitchen, a hammered copper hood and matching undermount sink are the stars of the show. The tile backsplash is hand-painted and customized with a rustic texture, adding to the charm and character of this beautiful kitchen.
The powder room features a copper and steel vanity and a matching hammered copper framed mirror. A porcelain tile backsplash adds texture and uniqueness.
Lastly, a brick-backed hanging gas fireplace with a custom reclaimed wood mantle is the perfect finishing touch to this spectacular whole house remodel. It is a stunning transformation that truly showcases the artistry of our design and construction teams.
Project by Douglah Designs. Their Lafayette-based design-build studio serves San Francisco's East Bay areas, including Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo Oaks, Diablo, Dublin, Pleasanton, Berkeley, Oakland, and Piedmont.
For more about Douglah Designs, click here: http://douglahdesigns.com/

This home office + home bar + powder bath space was an add-on renovation including a custom wood slatted pivot door, vaulted ceilings with a skylight, custom cabinetry and open shelving, a bar sink and mini fridge, wallpaper, decorative light fixtures, window treatments, plants and styling accessories.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage.
For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized.
Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed.
“Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said.
The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family.
“We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said.
The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience.
“I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison.
One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said.
The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said.
The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new.
The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime.
“They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added.
“Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said.
The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves.
“I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.”
Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home.
Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way.
“I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said.
A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby.
“I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said.
Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said.
“The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said.
“I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”
50