After years of renting out the house, the owners of this 1916 Craftsman were ready to make it their forever home. Both enthusiastic cooks, an updated kitchen was at the top of the list. Updating the fireplace, as well as two bathrooms in the house were also important. The homeowners passion for honoring the age of home, while also updating it, was at the forefront of our design. The end result beautifully blends the older elements with the new.

After years of renting out the house, the owners of this 1916 Craftsman were ready to make it their forever home. Both enthusiastic cooks, an updated kitchen was at the top of the list. Updating the fireplace, as well as two bathrooms in the house were also important. The homeowners passion for honoring the age of home, while also updating it, was at the forefront of our design. The end result beautifully blends the older elements with the new.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

When this investor purchased the land that is now Turtle Creek, it was surrounded by multi-family house-like dwellings with great curb appeal. A large city park was adjacent as well. Simplicity was able to maximize the use of the land by building the single family dwellings in our signature “cottage community” style, creating a cozy space for renters that also made best use of the land available for the investor. The result was a 20-home subdivision with tiny homes ranging from 400-880sf that rented at 100% occupancy with a waiting list.

Jesse had inherited his townhome, and had lived there for several years. His career took him to another state, and the home was unoccupied for over a year. He decided that he would not return to Raleigh and that it was time to sell. The 1975 home still had the original kitchen and baths, and was in need of general repair and new flooring. The HVAC system, water heater, and washer and dryer had been replaced as they aged and became non-functional, and the exterior had been maintained by the Home Owner’s Association. Jesse wanted to update the home and have it sell as quickly as possible, so we got to work determining what the best use of the budget would be to accomplish this goal. We focused on updating the major interior design elements that would provide the most enjoyment, durability, and energy efficiency for the new homeowners. We started with completely gutting the Kitchen and reconfiguring it by moving the refrigerator into the laundry area, and stacked the washer and dryer to save space. We replaced all of the old vinyl cabinets with durable natural wood cabinetry, and added granite counter tops and a stainless steel sink. We also removed the ceiling-hung cabinets over the counter peninsula to open up the Kitchen and bring in more light and facilitate better flow and interaction, and added a floor-to-ceiling Pantry Closet to make up for the lost storage space. All of the Kitchen appliances were replaced with new energy efficient models. We next gutted the downstairs Powder Bath and replaced the vinyl vanity with matching cabinetry with the kitchen, and replaced the toilet (as well as all other toilets in the home) with an EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. We removed the wallpaper and finished the walls smooth, replaced the lighting and mirror, and removed the carpet and installed a porcelain tile floor. The second floor 2nd Bedroom had been left open to the Great Room with a balcony and accordion door for privacy, but it left the room open to all of the noise from the Great Room and Kitchen. In order to make the room function as a private bedroom, we removed the balcony and installed a full wall in its place. Replacing all of the flooring was also at the top of the list, as was general repair on the walls and new paint throughout. We installed natural oak flooring in the Great Room and porcelain tile in the entry foyer. The seals on several of the exterior windows and the Master Bedroom sliding door had been compromised and needed to be replaced, as well as several interior doors and repair of all the louvered closet doors. The two upstairs Baths were functionally sound and the tile was in good shape. We replaced the toilets with EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets, and painted the vanities with a brighter color palette. The end result was bright, open, and comfortable updated home ready for its new occupants. Design Features Durable and handsome natural wood cabinetry. Granite Kitchen and Powder countertops. Stainless Kitchen appliances and white refrigerator. Stainless Kitchen sink and brushed nickel faucets. Brushed Nickel cabinetry and door hardware. Low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets. Light and bright natural hardwood flooring. Porcelain tile and luxury vinyl flooring. New carpet. Private 2nd Bedroom. Light and bright No-VOC paints and finishes. Energy Efficient and Green Features Energy efficient EPA Energy Star appliances. EPA WaterSense rated low-flow toilets. Energy efficient EPA Energy Star windows and door. Durable No-VOC cabinetry. Durable porcelain tile flooring. Low-flow faucets. Energy efficient CFL lighting throughout. No-VOC paints and finishes.

Our Issaquah client hired us because project management and budget were on the list of priorities along with a well thought out design. With opening the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we were able to give our client a better use of her space for entertaining with family and friends. The end result was a very happy client where her needs were met on design, budget and Nip Tucks management of the project.

Our client's childhood memories of summer fun in her parents' pool and family time on Long Beach Island, NJ is what she wanted to recreate for her own children in the comfort of their backyard. The client's wish list included a pool that was versatile for all ages and activities. We teamed up with Liquidscapes to assist with the pool design process to ensure functionality and quality was achieved. The saltwater pool has a swim lane, sun-shelf, deck jets, built-in seating and a raised spa with an 8' spillway! The pool deck is built with limestone, which remains cool in the hot sun. A custom pavilion cantilevers the deep end of the pool serving as a shady poolside lounge. The wavy garden beds were designed to complement the freeform shape of the pool. The landscape consists of multi-layered magnolias, ilex, and cryptomeria to ensure privacy year round. Fagus, lagerstroemia, and cotinus add in-season privacy, color, and contrast. The large garden beds are filled with lush hydrangeas, perennials, perennial grasses, and ferns. During our presentation for the front of the property, which is the final phase of this project, our client said to us: "Over the years we have dealt with many design and build companies and we're very happy we finally found one that is a pleasure to work with and cares about delivering high quality results.”

Inspiration for a dining room remodel in Philadelphia

We met with our clients a few times over six months before we starting designing. They had an interesting existing layout and a very specific list of wants. We worked with their architect, re-working the home to achieve the open, light filled space they dreamed of. With roots in Australia, they wanted an elevated coastal vibe. We used muted blues, layered in texture and warm finishes - the results speak for themselves. Storage was a big challenge in the very small original kitchen. In addition to the large island and run of cabinets, we added a hidden pantry.

After successfully designing the main levels of their new home, our Canadian clients were ready to tackle the design and remodeling of their 1200sf basement. They wanted to utilize the lower level of their home for family gatherings and entertaining guests - yet have it cozy enough for just the two of them to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine. Working remotely, their wish-list was addressed by creating defined zones in the space to include: a wine cellar, wine lounge, game room, and media area. The design plan was created with a sexy Vegas nightclub vibe as inspiration and using a black and white color scheme. We carved out space for a new wine cellar in an adjacent ‘cold room’ and filled it with dramatic elements, making it the true showpiece of the room. Our makeover required mostly all new furnishings that could easily be rearranged, depending on the occasion. We added unique lighting, dimensional custom cabinetry, rugs and décor. Antique mirror was added in the wine cellar, above the pool table (where adding a light fixture was not possible) and also was used to cover the unsightly support posts. This feature alone elevates and brings harmony to the room to the point you can hardly believe you’re in a basement. The clients complete trust in our bold design decisions is what made this project a success. The results exceeded their expectations and this room is now their favorite place in the home.

The Results: Our Drexel Designers provided an exceptionally functional kitchen that included every item on the wish list except the island. The Millers might consider a move-able island in the future. Cabinetry •Dura Supreme: Crest Wood •Door & Drawer Style: Vintage panel •Finish: Classic White with Accent Counter Tops •Hanstone: Auburn Abyss

Already a beauty, this classic Edwardian had a few open opportunities for transformation when we came along. Our clients had a vision of what they wanted for their space and we were able to bring it all to life. First up - transform the ignored Powder Bathroom into a showstopper. In collaboration with decorative artists, we created a dramatic and moody moment while incorporating the home's traditional elements and mixing in contemporary silhouettes. Next on the list, we reimagined a sitting room off the heart of the home to a more functional, comfortable, and inviting space. The result was a handsome Den with custom built-in bookcases to showcase family photos and signature reading as well three times the seating capacity than before. Now our clients have a space comfortable enough to watch football and classy enough to host a whiskey tasting. We rounded out this project with a bit of sprucing in the Foyer and Stairway. A favorite being the alluring bordeaux bench fitted just right to fit in a niche by the stairs. Perfect place to perch and admire our client's captivating art collection.

For this project the clients wanted a vacation home for frequent entertaining and family gatherings; a home that was as comfortable as a lodge for large numbers of people or as cozy as a bungalow for a couple’s weekend getaway. They also needed the house to fit an odd shaped lot situated at the end of a peninsula overlooking the lake, with a steep drop-off into the lake. The resulting home is as unique as the needs of the client. A brief list of features: - Adjacent full guest quarters over the three bay garage - Every bedroom has a walkout balcony including the second floor guest bedrooms. Second floor and guest suites have balconies with lake view. - Covered loggia connects both buildings (1 - main home and 2 - indoor pool, guest quarters, home gym and 3 bay garage) - Covered loggia contains double-sided fireplace, gourmet outdoor kitchen, and full dining and seating areas - Indoor pool and home gym exercise area - Outdoor Pool has an infinity edge waterfall that drops to a catch basin on either side of the sculpture pedestal (the furthermost point) and is recycled back up into the pool. - Sunken hot tub within outdoor pool - Exterior features copper roofing, shake siding, stone and multiple gable brackets - End roof pergola with glass panels allows sun to shine through into indoor pool area - Full basement - Wrap around deck - Built-in plant containers surrounding outdoor pool area

We met with our clients a few times over six months before we starting designing. They had an interesting existing layout and a very specific list of wants. We worked with their architect, re-working the home to achieve the open, light filled space they dreamed of. With roots in Australia, they wanted an elevated coastal vibe. We used muted blues, layered in texture and warm finishes - the results speak for themselves. Storage was a big challenge in the very small original kitchen. In addition to the large island and run of cabinets, we added a hidden pantry.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. 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

Full interior repaint on a Houston residential property. Walls throughout the living area and hallway painted in a warm greige neutral tone. Trim and baseboards repainted in clean white throughout. All surfaces properly prepped and two finish coats applied for a smooth, consistent result. Completed as part of a full property refresh for a Houston real estate investor.

This is a rare, contemporary, newly built home that features white water ocean views. Our staging design team wanted to highlight the casual elegance in each space of this unique custom home. We loved the way it turned out. The results were immediate as the home went into escrow within the first week on the market. Listed at $5.5M.

Having an eye for great interior design yet no clue on where to start or how to narrow down their aesthetic vision, a young family turned to Décor Aid to bring their drab pre-war Upper West Side apartment to life. With two young daughters in tow, our clients were looking for high style décor grounded in practicality and function – namely for their foyer, living room, dining room, and den. Armed with a variety of inspiration from traditional to ultra-modern, they knew that they wanted their apartment’s interior design to look put together and thought through, but were short on a concise design direction. In comes Décor Aid interior designer Gabrielle G. to revive their stark home with inspired design. After their initial in-home consultation, Gabrielle honed in on key decorative touchstones the couple had interest in and compiled a list of must-haves as an aesthetic foundation for the home. Starting with fresh coats of pure white paint to liven up and brighten each room, Gabrielle took advantage of the apartments closed floor plan and gave each room it’s own design signature rather than having to ensure that everything flowed together – in turn, giving her more freedom. Save for a china cabinet and formal dining table, Gabrielle was tasked with sourcing furnishings and accessories and went for clean simplicity as the couple also expressed that they’d like to have pieces that can move with them as their family grows while also being conducive for family life. As you can see, the space is grounded with soothing neutrals so Gabrielle brought in pops of color and texture through accessories and abstract art for a sophisticated yet casual vibe. The end result boasts concise design and pulled together everyday glamor for this modern family home that our clients adore, and so do we.

Full exterior repaint on a two-story Houston residential property. House was painted in a crisp white base coat with bold black trim, window frames, and fascia throughout. All surfaces were properly prepped and primed before application. Two finish coats applied for a clean, lasting result. This two-tone exterior transformation was completed as part of a pre-listing renovation for a Houston real estate investor.