Photo: Sarah Seung-McFarland © 2016 Houzz
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in New York

Q : Why have I never heard of Stretch Ceilings Before? A : The Stretch Ceiling System started in Europe in the 1970’s but became very popular after the 1990’s, where it is now in high demand. Nevertheless, the stretch ceiling has never been advertised on the retail market in the past, since it has always been exclusively used by the construction industry and interior designers, which partly explains this absence of information. . Q : What is a Stretch Ceiling? A : A Stretch Ceiling is a suspended ceiling system that consists of two components: a Track and a Lightweight Membrane, which stretches and clips into the Track.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This kitchen remodel and rear addition is part of what used to be a wonderful old prairie school house. The existing contemporary kitchen with white melamine cabinets was not fitting to the house’s original charm. The new kitchen features quarter sawn white oak cabinets which draw from the original trim and cabinetry throughout the rest of the house. The beautiful art glass panel on the window over the sink was hand made by the homeowner. Others who worked on this project: Joseph Metzler / SALA Architects

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Farmhouse l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

„LiMO” introduces you lively style, which is designed not only for children! Collection LiMO offers you colourful, usefull and practical furniture, which was designed according to nowadays trends and fashion in worldwide furniture market. Our collection suits perfectly for your children in every age: pre-school period, durig the school or even after school as well. Furniture from LiMO collecton will fit well in any place in your house, as it will bring a drop of freshness and energy wherever it will be placed.All LiMO’s furniture has recognizable feature – painted inserts, which are made from solid beech.

These high school sweethearts searched their hometown for a house that would fit their active young family, ultimately deciding to tear an older house down to make way for a gracious, elegant home that will last for generations. The furnishings add a colorful vibrancy to neutral walls, lots of molding, and gorgeous wood floors. To save on the budget, we re-purposed some existing furniture by repainting and changing out hardware. The entry and dining room set the tone for a fun house where dogs and kids are welcome. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Historic restoration in a historic district. Complete remodel. Footprint remained the same. Collaboration between owner, architectct Mary Brewster and Historic Commission. all historic detail had been previously removed. Architect: Mary Brewster, Brewster Thornton Group

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!)

Spacecrafting
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Example of a classic kitchen design in Los Angeles

This project involved the design and construction of a custom multi-level deck at an unnamed private school, thoughtfully built to meet all ADA accessibility requirements. The deck features multiple elevations connected by both ramps and stairs, creating a seamless and inclusive outdoor space for students, staff, and visitors. Custom-built benches were installed around the perimeter to provide ample seating and gathering areas. Special care was taken to preserve the school’s historic landscape, with the deck carefully designed and cut around existing mature trees—allowing these natural features to remain healthy while enhancing the overall outdoor environment.

This dining room turned playroom turned homework/music room has a collected feel to it. Beautiful grasscloth walls, a soft warm gray and textured white curtains provide a neutral backdrop to fun pops of color. A reupholstered cane wingback in a funky colorful pattern, an antique Canadian Public School chair, a gallery wall filled with all sorts of treasured and DIY items, layered rugs and Louis ghost chairs all work together to give this space a unique, collected vibe. It reflects the vibrant spirit of the homeowners that won't be pinned down to just one style. Cathy Zaeske

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse master black and white tile, white tile and subway tile ceramic tile drop-in bathtub design in Raleigh with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

This project involved the design and construction of a custom multi-level deck at an unnamed private school, thoughtfully built to meet all ADA accessibility requirements. The deck features multiple elevations connected by both ramps and stairs, creating a seamless and inclusive outdoor space for students, staff, and visitors. Custom-built benches were installed around the perimeter to provide ample seating and gathering areas. Special care was taken to preserve the school’s historic landscape, with the deck carefully designed and cut around existing mature trees—allowing these natural features to remain healthy while enhancing the overall outdoor environment.

This project involved the design and construction of a custom multi-level deck at an unnamed private school, thoughtfully built to meet all ADA accessibility requirements. The deck features multiple elevations connected by both ramps and stairs, creating a seamless and inclusive outdoor space for students, staff, and visitors. Custom-built benches were installed around the perimeter to provide ample seating and gathering areas. Special care was taken to preserve the school’s historic landscape, with the deck carefully designed and cut around existing mature trees—allowing these natural features to remain healthy while enhancing the overall outdoor environment.

"2012 Alice Washburn Award" Winning Home - A.I.A. Connecticut Read more at https://ddharlanarchitects.com/tag/alice-washburn/ “2014 Stanford White Award, Residential Architecture – New Construction Under 5000 SF, Extown Farm Cottage, David D. Harlan Architects LLC”, The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA). “2009 ‘Grand Award’ Builder’s Design and Planning”, Builder Magazine and The National Association of Home Builders. “2009 People’s Choice Award”, A.I.A. Connecticut. "The 2008 Residential Design Award", ASID Connecticut “The 2008 Pinnacle Award for Excellence”, ASID Connecticut. “HOBI Connecticut 2008 Award, ‘Best Not So Big House’”, Connecticut Home Builders Association.