Search results for "Shortcomings" in Home Design Ideas

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

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

Arborvitae fern (selaginella) Photo by Jay Sifford.
Home design - eclectic home design idea in Charlotte
Home design - eclectic home design idea in Charlotte
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Having recently purchased the condominium in a late 19th century building, this Swedish couple saw the sharing of the master bath with their guests a shortcoming worth resolving sooner than later. They turned to building Lab to create an en-suite master bath, that would afford a sense of privacy and strike a balance between original detailing and a modern spa-like feel. With adequate storage elsewhere we co-opted an existing closet into the new master bath which resulted in an ample if not generous foot print. The couple’s decidedly Scandinavian design sensibilities prompted us to keep the
material palette simple and neutral thus allowing the space and light to speak
for themselves. Tall skinny mirrors emphasize the height of the room and saturate all corners with reflected light. Suspended walnut cabinetry contributes a tactility and warmth. Subtle custom details such as the integral LED lighting wrapping around the mirrors invite closer examination. But
perhaps the most successful quality of the project is the expansive sense of
space and lightness.
photo by scott hargis

The windows are high in this historic room, as kitchen counters ran the entire length of the wall beneath the windows. We camouflaged this shortcoming with layers of window treatments and motorized blackout roller shades. Our two vignettes of seating created an intimate setting, and we think the setting is perfect for playing games or watching TV.

After years of living with their master bathroom, our clients felt they could no longer ignore its shortcomings or the siren’s call for renovation. Their desire was for a glowing traditional bathroom with the same sophistication and cohesive architectural vocabulary found throughout their home. They also wanted the space to provide a more open and organized plan, better lighting and storage, a more luxurious bathing experience and a more defined connection with the master bedroom.
Photography by Troy Thies

Autumn fern, Dryopteris erythrosora
Le jardinet
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

The first view from the front door of this home on the lake really needed to be more powerful, and our clients’ love of sculptural furniture inspired our solution. The dramatic console and carefully selected accessories made it interesting and personal to our homeowners, and heavily textured wallpaper visually raised the height of the wall. Great interior design can solve a multitude of shortcomings and problems, and we specialize in that!

After years of living with their master bathroom, our clients felt they could no longer ignore its shortcomings or the siren’s call for renovation. Their desire was for a glowing traditional bathroom with the same sophistication and cohesive architectural vocabulary found throughout their home. They also wanted the space to provide a more open and organized plan, better lighting and storage, a more luxurious bathing experience and a more defined connection with the master bedroom.
Photography by Troy Thies

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house.
George Mendel

Butter Lane featuring IKIGAI Charred FSC-Certified
Accoya® wood exterior cladding and roof cladding

This two story home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver, built in 1911 needed a full gut and restoration/remodel. Preservation of key pieces like the original wood floor, pocket doors, fire place, built in hutch, staircase and the re-coating and re-purpose of the claw foot tub were center to the design. Modern bathrooms and kitchen were next on the clients request list. Major structural shortcomings were discovered between floors which precipitated new framing of the second story. Hydronic heat was run under all of the floors both main and second story.

The view from this wooded, west facing site is dramatic, from the eastern tip of Long Island on the south to the Rhode Island coast on the north. Oddly, the existing house did not take full advantage of the view; only a single set of sliding glass doors faced the ocean. It was determined that the most sustainable strategy was to renovate the existing house, despite its shortcomings, and add a wing that would maximize the views and provide access to an existing grassy clearing in the woods to the south.
The expansive view is slowly revealed as one moves along the relocated driveway to the entry porch, into the house and then onto the west and south-facing decks. To encourage leisurely socializing, the plan concentrates the public spaces where the view, both from inside and on the decks, is most compelling.

The view from this wooded, west facing site is dramatic, from the eastern tip of Long Island on the south to the Rhode Island coast on the north. Oddly, the existing house did not take full advantage of the view; only a single set of sliding glass doors faced the ocean. It was determined that the most sustainable strategy was to renovate the existing house, despite its shortcomings, and add a wing that would maximize the views and provide access to an existing grassy clearing in the woods to the south.
The expansive view is slowly revealed as one moves along the relocated driveway to the entry porch, into the house and then onto the west and south-facing decks. To encourage leisurely socializing, the plan concentrates the public spaces where the view, both from inside and on the decks, is most compelling.

This two story home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver, built in 1911 needed a full gut and restoration/remodel. Preservation of key pieces like the original wood floor, pocket doors, fire place, built in hutch, staircase and the re-coating and re-purpose of the claw foot tub were center to the design. Modern bathrooms and kitchen were next on the clients request list. Major structural shortcomings were discovered between floors which precipitated new framing of the second story. Hydronic heat was run under all of the floors both main and second story.

The view from this wooded, west facing site is dramatic, from the eastern tip of Long Island on the south to the Rhode Island coast on the north. Oddly, the existing house did not take full advantage of the view; only a single set of sliding glass doors faced the ocean. It was determined that the most sustainable strategy was to renovate the existing house, despite its shortcomings, and add a wing that would maximize the views and provide access to an existing grassy clearing in the woods to the south.
The expansive view is slowly revealed as one moves along the relocated driveway to the entry porch, into the house and then onto the west and south-facing decks. To encourage leisurely socializing, the plan concentrates the public spaces where the view, both from inside and on the decks, is most compelling.

After years of living with their master bathroom, our clients felt they could no longer ignore its shortcomings or the siren’s call for renovation. Their desire was for a glowing traditional bathroom with the same sophistication and cohesive architectural vocabulary found throughout their home. They also wanted the space to provide a more open and organized plan, better lighting and storage, a more luxurious bathing experience and a more defined connection with the master bedroom.
Photography by Troy Thies

Having lived in her home for an extended period of time before embarking on a remodel meant that this homeowner had a clear idea of how she uses her space, the shortcomings of the layout, and how she would like to improve it. Her challenges started with a non-functional master bathroom that was dark and dated.
By reducing the size of a closet in the adjoining bedroom and removing a full closet from the inside of the bathroom, Riverside Construction was able to open up the space and allow for a larger vanity. New, functional closet space was designed into the bedroom and added to another wall.
Replacing the dark tub/shower wall tile with crisp white Subway tile brightened up the space and created the crisp, fresh look that the homeowner wanted. A vertical mosaic accent was also used for visual interest, and a built-in shower niche was created to keep bath essentials within easy reach. A honed marble countertop and a platinum crystal vanity light fixture by Quoizel complete this lovely transitional master bathroom transformation.

Having lived in her home for an extended period of time before embarking on a remodel meant that this homeowner had a clear idea of how she uses her space, the shortcomings of the layout, and how she would like to improve it. Her challenges started with a non-functional master bathroom that was dark and dated.
By reducing the size of a closet in the adjoining bedroom and removing a full closet from the inside of the bathroom, Riverside Construction was able to open up the space and allow for a larger vanity. New, functional closet space was designed into the bedroom and added to another wall.
Replacing the dark tub/shower wall tile with crisp white Subway tile brightened up the space and created the crisp, fresh look that the homeowner wanted. A vertical mosaic accent was also used for visual interest, and a built-in shower niche was created to keep bath essentials within easy reach. A honed marble countertop and a platinum crystal vanity light fixture by Quoizel complete this lovely transitional master bathroom transformation.
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