Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW A tired primary bathroom, with varying ceiling heights and a beige-on-beige color scheme, was screaming for love. Squaring the room and adding natural materials erased the memory of the lack luster space and converted it to a bright and welcoming spa oasis. The home was a new build in 2005 and it looked like all the builder’s material choices remained. The client was clear on their design direction but were challenged by the differing ceiling heights and were looking to hire a design-build firm that could resolve that issue. This local Glen Ellyn couple found us on Instagram (@kitchenstudioge, follow us ?). They loved our designs and felt like we fit their style. They requested a full primary bath renovation to include a large shower, soaking tub, double vanity with storage options, and heated floors. The wife also really wanted a separate make-up vanity. The biggest challenge presented to us was to architecturally marry the various ceiling heights and deliver a streamlined design. The existing layout worked well for the couple, so we kept everything in place, except we enlarged the shower and replaced the built-in tub with a lovely free-standing model. We also added a sitting make-up vanity. We were able to eliminate the awkward ceiling lines by extending all the walls to the highest level. Then, to accommodate the sprinklers and HVAC, lowered the ceiling height over the entrance and shower area which then opens to the 2-story vanity and tub area. Very dramatic! This high-end home deserved high-end fixtures. The homeowners also quickly realized they loved the look of natural marble and wanted to use as much of it as possible in their new bath. They chose a marble slab from the stone yard for the countertops and back splash, and we found complimentary marble tile for the shower. The homeowners also liked the idea of mixing metals in their new posh bathroom and loved the look of black, gold, and chrome. Although our clients were very clear on their style, they were having a difficult time pulling it all together and envisioning the final product. As interior designers it is our job to translate and elevate our clients’ ideas into a deliverable design. We presented the homeowners with mood boards and 3D renderings of our modern, clean, white marble design. Since the color scheme was relatively neutral, at the homeowner’s request, we decided to add of interest with the patterns and shapes in the room. We were first inspired by the shower floor tile with its circular/linear motif. We designed the cabinetry, floor and wall tiles, mirrors, cabinet pulls, and wainscoting to have a square or rectangular shape, and then to create interest we added perfectly placed circles to contrast with the rectangular shapes. The globe shaped chandelier against the square wall trim is a delightful yet subtle juxtaposition. The clients were overjoyed with our interpretation of their vision and impressed with the level of detail we brought to the project. It’s one thing to know how you want a space to look, but it takes a special set of skills to create the design and see it thorough to implementation. Could hiring The Kitchen Studio be the first step to making your home dreams come to life?

Photography Credit: Jenn Verrier Photography
Kitchen/dining room combo - small contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in DC Metro with white walls and no fireplace

A young couple just bought their first townhouse in Herndon, VA. This is a 30-year-old home with no changes ever done to it. Entering from the foyer, the living room is on the right side, followed by dining room on left back end and two partition wall separating kitchen on right back corner form rest of main level. Both of this partition wall were bearing walls. Filled with duct chases and plumbing for second floor bathroom. The wall between the kitchen and dining room has a support beam embedded in it. Their first wish was to modernize the space for their young and hip lifestyle. Getting rid of all bulkheads, pantry closet, and partition walls. Plan was simple, yet very involved. The main trunk of HVAC was relocated through lower level garage and laundry and carried in a new chase to feed the second-floor bedrooms. All plumbing soil stack was relocated int a false wall behind cabinetry. Then implant two structure beams causing to open up to main level living room and dining room. The sink and dishwasher were relocated to east wall, moving the kitchen window to left allowing placement on new fridge. A big island was placed in middle of this space given them a place to serve and hang out. Carefully matching the Brazilian cherry flooring previously used in dining room area for new kitchen space. We have added recess lights and pendent light to bright up this kitchen. Designers have used dark cherry cabinetry with a sleek looking granite top, giving the couple a dream come through kitchen. Loving every minute of it, she enjoys each and every gathering at her home.

A young couple just bought their first townhouse in Herndon, VA. This is a 30-year-old home with no changes ever done to it. Entering from the foyer, the living room is on the right side, followed by dining room on left back end and two partition wall separating kitchen on right back corner form rest of main level. Both of this partition wall were bearing walls. Filled with duct chases and plumbing for second floor bathroom. The wall between the kitchen and dining room has a support beam embedded in it. Their first wish was to modernize the space for their young and hip lifestyle. Getting rid of all bulkheads, pantry closet, and partition walls. Plan was simple, yet very involved. The main trunk of HVAC was relocated through lower level garage and laundry and carried in a new chase to feed the second-floor bedrooms. All plumbing soil stack was relocated int a false wall behind cabinetry. Then implant two structure beams causing to open up to main level living room and dining room. The sink and dishwasher were relocated to east wall, moving the kitchen window to left allowing placement on new fridge. A big island was placed in middle of this space given them a place to serve and hang out. Carefully matching the Brazilian cherry flooring previously used in dining room area for new kitchen space. We have added recess lights and pendent light to bright up this kitchen. Designers have used dark cherry cabinetry with a sleek looking granite top, giving the couple a dream come through kitchen. Loving every minute of it, she enjoys each and every gathering at her home.

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

This lovely couple found us at the Home Show in Franklin, TN last October and instantly connected with us! They had planned to wait until after the husband retired in April but once they saw the renderings and how close to budget we were for all the things they wanted they decided to sign and start right away. We were able to complete everything before his retirement date! After years of hating their layout and double sinks (separated by countertop), a shallow pantry closet, dated thermafoil cabinets, and plenty of impractical small framed cabinets they jumped at the chance for frameless cabinets and a custom dry bar for their design that was meticulously planned to efficiently use every square inch of space. She even liked the SW Sea Salt wall color we suggested so much she painted the living room and powder room the same color! It has completely transformed not only the space but the feel of the whole house. It is fresh, light, and welcoming. Perfect for their Sunday family dinners!

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.