The 1,750-square foot Manhattan Beach bungalow is home to two humans and three dogs. Originally built in 1929, the bungalow had undergone various renovations that convoluted its original Moorish style. We gutted the home and completely updated both the interior and exterior. We opened the floor plan, rebuilt the ceiling with reclaimed hand-hewn oak beams and created hand-troweled plaster walls that mimicked the construction and look of the original walls. We also rebuilt the living room fireplace by hand, brick-by-brick, and replaced the generic roof tiles with antique handmade clay tiles. We returned much of this 3-bed, 2-bath home to a more authentic aesthetic, while adding modern touches of luxury, like radiant-heated floors, bi-fold doors that open from the kitchen/dining area to a large deck, and a custom steam shower, with Moroccan-inspired tile and an antique mirror. The end result is evocative luxury in a compact space.

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Los Angeles

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, marble countertops and stone slab backsplash

What a view David Morello
Eclectic home design photo in Houston

David DuncanLivingston
Mountain style medium tone wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

Clopay Reserve Wood Collection carriage house garage doors with windows on a Craftsman style home.
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts attached two-car garage design in Cincinnati

Published in House Beautiful, Bathroom of the month | Gridley + Graves Photographers
Elegant multicolored tile marble floor bathroom photo in DC Metro with beaded inset cabinets and white cabinets

Example of a mid-sized mountain style living room design in Boston with a corner fireplace and white walls

The exquisite foyer within this residence features a custom skylight and staircase. The tile flooring is an imported terracotta material. Elm Grove, WI.

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

An enchanting bedroom design filled with a host of blooming florals. Colored in a fresh blue and white palette, this decadent space has an air of Asian mystique.

Mountain style dark wood floor family room photo in Jackson with a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Colorful guest bedroom in raspberry. Custom drapery. Nightstands by Crate and Barrel. Lamps and bed provided by client. Bedding by Matouk. Design By Krista Watterworth Design Studio of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Staircase - mediterranean staircase idea in Los Angeles

Jeri Koegel
Entryway - large mediterranean entryway idea in Orange County with white walls

Example of a mid-sized trendy built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor study room design in Grand Rapids with black walls and no fireplace

A rich traditional garden flanking the asphalt driveway lined with a cushwa brick curb. The gardens are filled with 'Tina' crabapple, Hydrangea, boxwood, and Pachysandra ground cover. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Trent Bell - trentbell.com
Study room - coastal built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room idea in Portland Maine with beige walls