Photo: Jason Snyder © Houzz 2013
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea

This condo in Sterling, VA belongs to a couple about to enter into retirement. They own this home in Sterling, along with a weekend home in West Virginia, a vacation home on Emerald Isle in North Carolina and a vacation home in St. John. They want to use this home as their "home-base" during their retirement, when they need to be in the metro area for business or to see family. The condo is small and they felt it was too "choppy," it didn't have good flow and the rooms were too separated and confined. They wondered if it could have more of an open concept feel but were doubtful due to the size and layout of the home. The furnishings they owned from their previous home were very traditional and heavy. They wanted a much lighter, more open and more contemporary feel to this home. They wanted it to feel clean, light, airy and much bigger then it is. The first thing we tackled was an unsightly, and very heavy stone veneered fireplace wall that separated the family room from the office space. It made both rooms look heavy and dark. We took down the stone and opened up parts of the wall so that the two spaces would flow into each other. We added a view thru fireplace and gave the fireplace wall a faux marble finish to lighten it and make it much more contemporary. Glass shelves bounce light and keep the wall feeling light and streamlined. Custom built ins add hidden storage and make great use of space in these small rooms. Our strategy was to open as much as possible and to lighten the space through the use of color, fabric and glass. New furnishings in lighter colors and soft textures help keep the feeling light and modernize the space. Sheer linen draperies soften the hard lines and add to the light, airy feel. Tinius Photography

This 1933 Wauwatosa basement was dark, dingy and lacked functionality. The basement was unfinished with concrete walls and floors. A small office was enclosed but the rest of the space was open and cluttered. The homeowners wanted a warm, organized space for their family. A recent job change meant they needed a dedicated home office. They also wanted a place where their kids could hang out with friends. Their wish list for this basement remodel included: a home office where the couple could both work, a full bathroom, a cozy living room and a dedicated storage room. This basement renovation resulted in a warm and bright space that is used by the whole family. Highlights of this basement: - Home Office: A new office gives the couple a dedicated space for work. There’s plenty of desk space, storage cabinets, under-shelf lighting and storage for their home library. - Living Room: An old office area was expanded into a cozy living room. It’s the perfect place for their kids to hang out when they host friends and family. - Laundry Room: The new laundry room is a total upgrade. It now includes fun laminate flooring, storage cabinets and counter space for folding laundry. - Full Bathroom: A new bathroom gives the family an additional shower in the home. Highlights of the bathroom include a navy vanity, quartz counters, brass finishes, a Dreamline shower door and Kohler Choreograph wall panels. - Staircase: We spruced up the staircase leading down to the lower level with patterned vinyl flooring and a matching trim color. - Storage: We gave them a separate storage space, with custom shelving for organizing their camping gear, sports equipment and holiday decorations. CUSTOMER REVIEW “We had been talking about remodeling our basement for a long time, but decided to make it happen when my husband was offered a job working remotely. It felt like the right time for us to have a real home office where we could separate our work lives from our home lives. We wanted the area to feel open, light-filled, and modern – not an easy task for a previously dark and cold basement! One of our favorite parts was when our designer took us on a 3D computer design tour of our basement. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this could be our basement!?!’ It was so fun to see how our designer was able to take our wish list and ideas from my Pinterest board, and turn it into a practical design. We were sold after seeing the design, and were pleasantly surprised to see that Kowalske was less costly than another estimate.” – Stephanie, homeowner

This delightful couple purchased this home with renovation in mind. It was situated in an ideal location, but required a serious update bringing modernization while keeping it’s 1940’s period charm. They asked us to design an elegant Master Suite, complete with a bedroom, master closet and elegant bathroom. While we make every attempt to maintain original walls and floors, this renovation required complete gutting of two bedrooms and closets to open the space and allow for all they wanted. In this process we were able to bring uneven floors and walls into level allowing for great end results. The finishing touches on this bathroom included custom white painted vanity and make-up table with White Carrara Marble countertops and a custom tile floor design using Carrara Marble tile. A free-standing tub and bridge faucets/ tub spout upped the game on a modern take on an old-world plumbing fixture. The glass shower completes this sophisticated space, which gives this master bath a modern twist on traditional. We then turned our attention to the master bedroom, touching it up with new paint and refinishing with a new master closet separating the bedroom from the bathroom.

This 1980 split-level home had great bones, but the owners wanted to update the finishes and create a more family-friendly layout. We bumped out the front entry of the house by a couple of feet to allow more room to welcome guests and to take off shoes and coats. Replacing the banister and partial-height walls at the top of the stairs with steel and wood fixtures presents a more modern aesthetic that also allows more light to stream in. The formerly closed-off kitchen was opened up and updated to create a "Great Room," with a generous kitchen where the owner can comfortably indulge her passion for baking. The rest of the main floor was reconfigured to add functionality and space to the two kids’ bedrooms, improve the guest bathroom, and create a spacious master suite with a luxe master bathroom that features a walk-in shower, soaking tub, and separate toilet room. In the basement, the finishes were updated, and the floor plan was opened up to create a roomy space where the parents can relax and watch movies while keeping an eye on the children in their own play space. John G Wilbanks Photography.

Our clients, Erica + Luca, are a power couple each running their own businesses, and for the past six years have also been social parents raising two boys. Their home sits hillside, adjacent to a green space where they have beautiful views, but limited access to enjoy the outdoors. Introspecs created an interior space plan which opens the main level rooms to one another, to both increase visual sight lines + allow separate activities to take place simultaneously. Our goal was to maintain a family-focused house with a large in-kitchen eating island + tons of pantry storage while still honoring adult cocktail hour + entertaining friends. We translated their edgy Euro taste into the finishes which beautifully dresses up the functional layout + resonates with their lifestyle.

A young couple, owner of this duplex located near the Jean Talon market in Montreal’s little Italy, asked for Agence Imagine’s help and expertise to turn it into a single family home. Big renovations as well as an extension on the backyard have been made in order to offer today a large, comfortable home bathed in a lot of natural light. The main floor’s layout is based on a linear structure that guides visitors into the living room and separates the kitchen area. A structural beam covered in a walnut veneer allows to maximize and open the living areas and gives a fluid circulation throughout the space. Noble and raw materials and finishes such as wood, natural stone and quartz embellish this contemporary universe. The addition of a large patio door as well as a couple rectangular windows give a new sight toward the outside and allow natural light to penetrate the open area. The installation of a 3 sided gas fireplace accentuates the warm hearted aspect of the space. The kitchen, a mix of walnut and Italian lacquer, includes a spacious kitchen island where the owners like to cook and gather around with friends. Lots of organising spaces as well as a pantry have been thought out in order to optimize the use of space. The upstairs includes a master’s bedroom with a walk-in and an access to the roof top terrace built on top of the main floor’s extension. On the 2nd floor we also find two bedrooms and a large bathroom. Spacious and functional, the bathroom offers calm and relaxation thanks to its podium bathtub and large Italian shower. The harmonious mix between the porcelain, the mosaic and the walnut veneer inspire serenity and elegance. Photo Credit: Guillaume Gorini | Point de vue Studio

Thick slabs of sand-textured granite and quarter-sawn white oak cabinets, equipped with special compartments for things such as cutting boards and plastic container lids, replaced old, sun-exposed cabinetry. A major transformation happened when the the low-height partition, separating the family room and kitchen was knocked down to allow in more light and warmth from the west-facing windows. The placement of the stovetop was adjusted to assist the left-handed couple, and a large 4-foot by 8-foot backing counter was added for the girls. SZ made 'homes' for everything in the kitchen, from a state-of-the-art Miele integrated coffee station for Cameron to special cabinets for the Dean & Deluca spices that Linda likes to use. To accommodate Linda's petite stature, the countertops were set at a lower height. SZ even designed cereal-box-specific cabinets to ensure that everything would fit just right. Low-voltage strip lighting, operated with dimmers, borders every glass cabinet and spotlights the couple's funky '60s-inspired Jill Rosenwald ceramic serving pieces and a favorite clay sculpture entitled Love Entwined that they bought in Paris. Today, the kitchen is almost unrecognizable from its former self. A dramatic evolution from stark and imposing to bright and spacious the clean lines and warm tones still give the family-functional space a grown-up edge. "if we're not hosting a charity event or inviting a group of 20 kindergartners over for a party, you'll still find all of us int the kitchen," says Linda. "Except how it feels right. The kitchen has our personalities stamped all over it." Not to mention a few handprints from three little girls.'

Thick slabs of sand-textured granite and quarter-sawn white oak cabinets, equipped with special compartments for things such as cutting boards and plastic container lids, replaced old, sun-exposed cabinetry. A major transformation happened when the the low-height partition, separating the family room and kitchen was knocked down to allow in more light and warmth from the west-facing windows. The placement of the stovetop was adjusted to assist the left-handed couple, and a large 4-foot by 8-foot backing counter was added for the girls. SZ made 'homes' for everything in the kitchen, from a state-of-the-art Miele integrated coffee station for Cameron to special cabinets for the Dean & Deluca spices that Linda likes to use. To accommodate Linda's petite stature, the countertops were set at a lower height. SZ even designed cereal-box-specific cabinets to ensure that everything would fit just right. Low-voltage strip lighting, operated with dimmers, borders every glass cabinet and spotlights the couple's funky '60s-inspired Jill Rosenwald ceramic serving pieces and a favorite clay sculpture entitled Love Entwined that they bought in Paris. Today, the kitchen is almost unrecognizable from its former self. A dramatic evolution from stark and imposing to bright and spacious the clean lines and warm tones still give the family-functional space a grown-up edge. "if we're not hosting a charity event or inviting a group of 20 kindergartners over for a party, you'll still find all of us int the kitchen," says Linda. "Except how it feels right. The kitchen has our personalities stamped all over it." Not to mention a few handprints from three little girls.'

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

Our clients, Erica + Luca, are a power couple each running their own businesses, and for the past six years have also been social parents raising two boys. Their home sits hillside, adjacent to a green space where they have beautiful views, but limited access to enjoy the outdoors. Introspecs created an interior space plan which opens the main level rooms to one another, to both increase visual sight lines + allow separate activities to take place simultaneously. Our goal was to maintain a family-focused house with a large in-kitchen eating island + tons of pantry storage while still honoring adult cocktail hour + entertaining friends. We translated their edgy Euro taste into the finishes which beautifully dresses up the functional layout + resonates with their lifestyle.

This couple moved to Plano to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. When they purchased the home, they knew that the kitchen would have to be improved as they love to cook and gather as a family. The storage and prep space was not working for them and the old stove had to go! They loved the gas range that they had in their previous home and wanted to have that range again. We began this remodel by removing a wall in the butlers pantry to create a more open space. We tore out the old cabinets and soffit and replaced them with cherry Kraftmaid cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The cabinets were designed to house tons of deep drawers for ease of access and storage. We combined the once separated laundry and utility office space into one large laundry area with storage galore. Their new kitchen and laundry space is now super functional and blends with the adjacent family room. Photography by Versatile Imaging (Lauren Brown)

This young couple wanted to maximize their odd kitchen and dining room for entertaining their family and friends. With a separate formal dining space elsewhere, we opted for a more casual kitchen island for working, eating, baking, and having an occasional glass of wine with a friend. We agreed on maintaining the original galley style kitchen floorpan but decided to shift a few appliances in order to improve efficiency. We added a large island allowing for additional storage, seating, and countertop space and then created a dedicated “beverage bar” to house the espresso machine and large wine refrigerator. We had a lot of fun playing with finishes in this space. We layered a mix of “cool” and “warm” tones to create a multi-depth effect which registers as eclectic and pulled together. Photos By: Michael Kaskel Photography

A young couple, owner of this duplex located near the Jean Talon market in Montreal’s little Italy, asked for Agence Imagine’s help and expertise to turn it into a single family home. Big renovations as well as an extension on the backyard have been made in order to offer today a large, comfortable home bathed in a lot of natural light. The main floor’s layout is based on a linear structure that guides visitors into the living room and separates the kitchen area. A structural beam covered in a walnut veneer allows to maximize and open the living areas and gives a fluid circulation throughout the space. Noble and raw materials and finishes such as wood, natural stone and quartz embellish this contemporary universe. The addition of a large patio door as well as a couple rectangular windows give a new sight toward the outside and allow natural light to penetrate the open area. The installation of a 3 sided gas fireplace accentuates the warm hearted aspect of the space. The kitchen, a mix of walnut and Italian lacquer, includes a spacious kitchen island where the owners like to cook and gather around with friends. Lots of organising spaces as well as a pantry have been thought out in order to optimize the use of space. The upstairs includes a master’s bedroom with a walk-in and an access to the roof top terrace built on top of the main floor’s extension. On the 2nd floor we also find two bedrooms and a large bathroom. Spacious and functional, the bathroom offers calm and relaxation thanks to its podium bathtub and large Italian shower. The harmonious mix between the porcelain, the mosaic and the walnut veneer inspire serenity and elegance. Photo Credit: Guillaume Gorini | Point de vue Studio

This Mediterranean style home is fit on a compact lot in the heart of town for a professional couple with young children and au pair. The below grade bedrooms, family room and office are essential to providing for the family needs, with the extensive window light wells with lush landscaping and detailed masonry finishes bringing in sufficient light and pleasant views so that the rooms a comfortably used on an everyday basis. The open kitchen, living and dining rooms allow for a casual and informal lifestyle, while careful control of the openings, finishes and lighting create let each space per separately experienced. Italian mahogany windows, hand split limestone walls and antique clay roof tiles give an authentic Tuscan flavor to the exterior. Photos by Phil Bond Photography Stone: Select Stone Tile: All Natural Stone

When our client bought their lot in Broken Top they did not build for years. Living in San Diego,they decided in 2011 to build a vacation home/ future retirement abode. Their vision included a welcoming single level with relaxing Master bedroom and bath, a kitchen/living/dining space to entertain family and friends, and an outdoor living space to enjoy the sunsets.Their vision became reality!! It also includes a wonderful second bedroom perfect for guests, with a separate entrance and a private bath with walk-in shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with lots of windows. The home is rustic from the front. Upon entering one notices the open floor plan and contemporary kitchen design as well as the beautiful rock fireplace and abundance of light. An extra-large island in the kitchen includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and eating area. The décor of the home is comfortable and warm. And the stunning dark Acacia wood flooring runs throughout the main living area. This home is 3210 square feet on a single level. Natural mature landscaping surrounds the home giving it a settled-in feeling. This is a perfect home for retirees who host guests, or a small family. In this case,the couple will use it as their vacation get-away with retirement in their scope. Ross Chandler

Plunge in your new bath with darling design elements to create a coordinated bathroom with a surprising appeal. Small spaces call for big design details like the ornate turn posts that frame the sink area to create a compelling look for the bath vanity. Select the most inviting and luxurious materials to create a relaxing space that rejuvenates as it soothes and calms. Coordinating bath furniture from Dura Supreme brings all the details together with your choice of beautiful styles and finishes. A linen cabinet with a mirrored back beautifully displays stacks of towels and bathroom sundries. These furniture vanities showcase Dura Supreme’s “Style Five” furniture series. Style Five is designed with a selection of turned posts for iconic furniture style to meet your personal tastes. The two individual vanities separated by the free-standing linen cabinet provide each spouse their own divided space to organize their personal bath supplies, while the linen cabinet provides universal storage for items the couple will both use. Style Five furniture series offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), 15 turn post designs and an optional floor with either plain or slatted detail. A selection of classic post designs offers personalized design choices. Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

A young couple, owner of this duplex located near the Jean Talon market in Montreal’s little Italy, asked for Agence Imagine’s help and expertise to turn it into a single family home. Big renovations as well as an extension on the backyard have been made in order to offer today a large, comfortable home bathed in a lot of natural light. The main floor’s layout is based on a linear structure that guides visitors into the living room and separates the kitchen area. A structural beam covered in a walnut veneer allows to maximize and open the living areas and gives a fluid circulation throughout the space. Noble and raw materials and finishes such as wood, natural stone and quartz embellish this contemporary universe. The addition of a large patio door as well as a couple rectangular windows give a new sight toward the outside and allow natural light to penetrate the open area. The installation of a 3 sided gas fireplace accentuates the warm hearted aspect of the space. The kitchen, a mix of walnut and Italian lacquer, includes a spacious kitchen island where the owners like to cook and gather around with friends. Lots of organising spaces as well as a pantry have been thought out in order to optimize the use of space. The upstairs includes a master’s bedroom with a walk-in and an access to the roof top terrace built on top of the main floor’s extension. On the 2nd floor we also find two bedrooms and a large bathroom. Spacious and functional, the bathroom offers calm and relaxation thanks to its podium bathtub and large Italian shower. The harmonious mix between the porcelain, the mosaic and the walnut veneer inspire serenity and elegance. Photo Credit: Guillaume Gorini | Point de vue Studio

A young couple, owner of this duplex located near the Jean Talon market in Montreal’s little Italy, asked for Agence Imagine’s help and expertise to turn it into a single family home. Big renovations as well as an extension on the backyard have been made in order to offer today a large, comfortable home bathed in a lot of natural light. The main floor’s layout is based on a linear structure that guides visitors into the living room and separates the kitchen area. A structural beam covered in a walnut veneer allows to maximize and open the living areas and gives a fluid circulation throughout the space. Noble and raw materials and finishes such as wood, natural stone and quartz embellish this contemporary universe. The addition of a large patio door as well as a couple rectangular windows give a new sight toward the outside and allow natural light to penetrate the open area. The installation of a 3 sided gas fireplace accentuates the warm hearted aspect of the space. The kitchen, a mix of walnut and Italian lacquer, includes a spacious kitchen island where the owners like to cook and gather around with friends. Lots of organising spaces as well as a pantry have been thought out in order to optimize the use of space. The upstairs includes a master’s bedroom with a walk-in and an access to the roof top terrace built on top of the main floor’s extension. On the 2nd floor we also find two bedrooms and a large bathroom. Spacious and functional, the bathroom offers calm and relaxation thanks to its podium bathtub and large Italian shower. The harmonious mix between the porcelain, the mosaic and the walnut veneer inspire serenity and elegance. Photo Credit: Guillaume Gorini | Point de vue Studio