Search results for "Simplify" in Home Design Ideas

Hear what our clients, Allison & Rick, have to say about their project by clicking on the Facebook link and then the Videos tab.
Inspiration for a traditional full sun front yard formal garden in Chicago for fall.
Inspiration for a traditional full sun front yard formal garden in Chicago for fall.
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The Corona 2306 23 Inch Square LED Pendant Light from SONNEMAN is the ideal fixture for Architectural LED Pendant Lights applications where high quality, energy efficient lighting fixtures are desired. The Corona 2306 23 Inch Square LED Pendant Light from SONNEMAN features a bright satin aluminum or satin black finish. Frosted acrylic shade. Dimmable with an electronic low voltage dimmer. It creates a hollow square of light that seems to float effortlessly in space. The warm glow from the internally focused LED lamping provides both the presence and the absence of volume. The illumination from Corona's interior is echoed in a subtly illuminated edge of its external perimeter.

Luxury Simplified Construction
Living room - traditional living room idea in Charleston
Living room - traditional living room idea in Charleston

blue and white foyer console table in high gloss navy with a pair of x benches and table lamps
Foyer - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor foyer idea in San Francisco with blue walls and a black front door
Foyer - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor foyer idea in San Francisco with blue walls and a black front door

Mid-sized trendy ceramic tile ceramic tile, gray floor and single-sink bathroom photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a built-in vanity, medium tone wood cabinets and gray countertops

Shifted stove allows for added drawer storage next to new stove.
Enclosed kitchen - small craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island
Enclosed kitchen - small craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

Added in wall spice cabinet with a salvage yard glass door find. Contractor built cabinet box and frame onsite.
Inspiration for a small craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island
Inspiration for a small craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

The Setup:
After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry.
Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home.
Design Objectives:
- Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options.
- Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout.
Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic.
- Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy.
- Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting.
- Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic.
- Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature.
Design Challenges:
- The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family.
- The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in.
- The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances.
- Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy.
- The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim.
- The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy.
- Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning.
The Renewed Space
Design Solutions:
- A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities.
- Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry.
- Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design.
- Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering.
- Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting.
- Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic.
- Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character.
- This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Simplified, clean, modern & functional would describe this finished kitchen. The original 1990s space was encumbered with posts and arches over the sink wall, making this narrow space seem even narrower. Our first step in simplifying the room was removing all the architectural superfluity and the ceiling soffit. We also removed the step-in pantry at the end of the fridge wall where it meets the family room and bar. We refashioned the island to serve as a workspace with storage, omitting seating because the homeowner didn’t need it. Faux doors at the family room end of the island finished the piece handsomely. Where the pantry used to be, we built a coffee bar and added a microwave drawer. The coffee bar is hidden behind the pocket doors of an appliance garage. We kept the wall ovens and built a cabinet pantry on the same wall, allowing for a convenient cooking triangle. The Wolf range top and custom hood offer a nice focal point with a backsplash of hand made clay tile for texture and variety. The lighted transom cabinets on either side of the hood and flanking the window provide texture, light and interest for displaying the clients’ cherished items. The hand made clay backsplash extends across the sink wall for unity and design coherence.

Playroom / Guest Room
Photo Credit: Jenn Jacobson
Kids' room - contemporary kids' room idea in San Francisco
Kids' room - contemporary kids' room idea in San Francisco

Kitchen/living room with vaulted ceiling to improve the feeling of space.

Modern glass house set in the landscape evokes a midcentury vibe. A modern gas fireplace divides the living area with a polished concrete floor from the greenhouse with a gravel floor. The frame is painted steel with aluminum sliding glass door. The front features a green roof with native grasses and the rear is covered with a glass roof.
Photo by: Gregg Shupe Photography
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