The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

Sedona is home to people from around the world because of it's beautiful red rock mountain scenery, high desert climate, good weather and diverse community. Most residents have made a conscience choice to be here. Good buildable land is scarce so may people purchase older homes and update them in style and performance before moving in. The industry often calls these project "whole house remodels". This home was originally built in the 70's and is located in a prestigious neighborhood beautiful views that overlook mountains and City of Sedona. It was in need of a total makeover, inside and out. The exterior of the home was transformed by removing the outdated wood and brick cladding and replacing it stucco and stone. The roof was repaired to extend it life. Windows were replaced with an energy efficient wood clad system. Every room of the home was preplanned and remodeled to make it flow better for a modern lifestyle. A guest suite was added to the back of the existing garage to make a total of three guest suites and a master bedroom suite. The existing enclosed kitchen was opened up to create a true "great room" with access to the deck and the views. The windows and doors to the view were raised up to capture more light and scenery. An outdated brick fireplace was covered with mahogany panels and porcelain tiles to update the style. All floors were replaced with durable ceramic flooring. Outdated plumbing, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets and hand rails were replaced. The home was completely refurnished and decorated by the home owner in a style the fits the architectural intent. The scope for a "whole house remodel" is much like the design of a custom home. It takes a full team of professionals to do it properly. The home owners have a second home out of state and split their time away. They were able to assemble a team that included Sustainable Sedona Residentail Design, Biermann Construction as the General Contractor, a landscape designer, and structural engineer to take charge in thier absence. The collaboration worked well!

Sedona is home to people from around the world because of it's beautiful red rock mountain scenery, high desert climate, good weather and diverse community. Most residents have made a conscience choice to be here. Good buildable land is scarce so may people purchase older homes and update them in style and performance before moving in. The industry often calls these project "whole house remodels". This home was originally built in the 70's and is located in a prestigious neighborhood beautiful views that overlook mountains and City of Sedona. It was in need of a total makeover, inside and out. The exterior of the home was transformed by removing the outdated wood and brick cladding and replacing it stucco and stone. The roof was repaired to extend it life. Windows were replaced with an energy efficient wood clad system. Every room of the home was preplanned and remodeled to make it flow better for a modern lifestyle. A guest suite was added to the back of the existing garage to make a total of three guest suites and a master bedroom suite. The existing enclosed kitchen was opened up to create a true "great room" with access to the deck and the views. The windows and doors to the view were raised up to capture more light and scenery. An outdated brick fireplace was covered with mahogany panels and porcelain tiles to update the style. All floors were replaced with durable ceramic flooring. Outdated plumbing, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets and hand rails were replaced. The home was completely refurnished and decorated by the home owner in a style the fits the architectural intent. The scope for a "whole house remodel" is much like the design of a custom home. It takes a full team of professionals to do it properly. The home owners have a second home out of state and split their time away. They were able to assemble a team that included Sustainable Sedona Residential Design, Biermann Construction as the General Contractor, a landscape designer, and structural engineer to take charge in their absence. The collaboration worked well!

Sedona is home to people from around the world because of it's beautiful red rock mountain scenery, high desert climate, good weather and diverse community. Most residents have made a conscience choice to be here. Good buildable land is scarce so may people purchase older homes and update them in style and performance before moving in. The industry often calls these project "whole house remodels". This home was originally built in the 70's and is located in a prestigious neighborhood beautiful views that overlook mountains and City of Sedona. It was in need of a total makeover, inside and out. The exterior of the home was transformed by removing the outdated wood and brick cladding and replacing it stucco and stone. The roof was repaired to extend it life. Windows were replaced with an energy efficient wood clad system. Every room of the home was preplanned and remodeled to make it flow better for a modern lifestyle. A guest suite was added to the back of the existing garage to make a total of three guest suites and a master bedroom suite. The existing enclosed kitchen was opened up to create a true "great room" with access to the deck and the views. The windows and doors to the view were raised up to capture more light and scenery. An outdated brick fireplace was covered with mahogany panels and porcelain tiles to update the style. All floors were replaced with durable ceramic flooring. Outdated plumbing, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets and hand rails were replaced. The home was completely refurnished and decorated by the home owner in a style the fits the architectural intent. The scope for a "whole house remodel" is much like the design of a custom home. It takes a full team of professionals to do it properly. The home owners have a second home out of state and split their time away. They were able to assemble a team that included Sustainable Sedona Residentail Design, Biermann Construction as the General Contractor, a landscape designer, and structural engineer to take charge in thier absence. The collaboration worked well!

Sedona is home to people from around the world because of it's beautiful red rock mountain scenery, high desert climate, good weather and diverse community. Most residents have made a conscience choice to be here. Good buildable land is scarce so may people purchase older homes and update them in style and performance before moving in. The industry often calls these project "whole house remodels". This home was originally built in the 70's and is located in a prestigious neighborhood beautiful views that overlook mountains and City of Sedona. It was in need of a total makeover, inside and out. The exterior of the home was transformed by removing the outdated wood and brick cladding and replacing it stucco and stone. The roof was repaired to extend it life. Windows were replaced with an energy efficient wood clad system. Every room of the home was preplanned and remodeled to make it flow better for a modern lifestyle. A guest suite was added to the back of the existing garage to make a total of three guest suites and a master bedroom suite. The existing enclosed kitchen was opened up to create a true "great room" with access to the deck and the views. The windows and doors to the view were raised up to capture more light and scenery. An outdated brick fireplace was covered with mahogany panels and porcelain tiles to update the style. All floors were replaced with durable ceramic flooring. Outdated plumbing, appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets and hand rails were replaced. The home was completely refurnished and decorated by the home owner in a style the fits the architectural intent. The scope for a "whole house remodel" is much like the design of a custom home. It takes a full team of professionals to do it properly. The home owners have a second home out of state and split their time away. They were able to assemble a team that included Sustainable Sedona Residentail Design, Biermann Construction as the General Contractor, a landscape designer, and structural engineer to take charge in thier absence. The collaboration worked well!

Guest Suite Design Team: Laura Clayton Baker and Annica Howard http://lauraclaytonbaker.com/index.html Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2016 Houzz

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Revitalize, update, and addition on a 1920's Old California home, thought to be a real George Washington Smith in Ojai, California. Wide, thick plaster arches, old farm paintings, comfortable, ranchy furniture give this place a real old world Spanish charm. Hand kotted antique rugs and fine bench made new furniture reflects the original style of Santa Barbara, CA, giving the sense this place is completely original. And much of it is, although it has been completely revamped, adding a larger stair case, wide arches, new master suite including a sitting room with a tv. Maraya Interiors completely changed the kitchen, adding new cabinetry, a blue granite island, and custom made terra cotta tile in multiple shapes and sizes. The home has a dining room for larger gatherings, and a small kitchen table for intimate family breakfasts. A high living room ceiling has been imitated in the new master suite with very large steel windows through out. Project Location: Ojai, CA. Designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. Bob Easton, Architect

Very small Spanish style home, newly built for a bachelor who lived on a boat. Architecturally correct for the Santa Barbara location, with thick plaster walls and terra-cotta floors. Plaster fireplace with built in seating, for this tiny living room. Small kitchen features handscraped cabinets with limestone counters and natural edges. Bathroom has glass block separating the shower from the vanity, which actually looks amazing with the spanish tile and wrought iron work. A small wine and wine glass niche built into the plaster for this single guy's guests. Home is under 1000 sq ft, built by Maraya's husband, for his best friend. (sailing buddies). Project Location: Santa Barbara, CA. Designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more Built by Timothy J.Droney

After picture: Ta Da............Major face lift complete!! We found these fantastic Batchelder "Like" tiles to use as our focal point on the Fire Place Surround in our Living Room. We love the cool Scenery! We Beefed up the original wooden shelf and mantel to give this room a richer look.

Kitchen - huge rustic l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink and flat-panel cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary brown two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Sacramento with a shed roof and a metal roof

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

The brick floor gives this screened-in porch a warm ambiance, even while catching the breeze. Sure to be a favorite dining or gathering spot for family and friends.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Front Entry. Sustainable Landscape Architecture design. Naturalistic design style, highlighting the architecture and situating the home in it's natural landscape within the first growing season. Large Private Ranch in Emigrant, Montana. Architecture by Formescent Architects | Photography by Jon Menezes

Example of a mid-sized mountain style brown one-story mixed siding exterior home design in Other

Within a sprawling cattle ranch in the Santa Ynez area, this new home was designed to look like an old California hacienda from a century ago. thick stucco walls, loggias of rustic wood beams, deep red, gold and cream walls. An unpretentious space for real cowboys. Terra-cotta tile floors, stained and waxed to look old, rustic furniture and deep shade combine to make this look like an original hilltop hacienda Project Location: Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, CA. Designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya