Search results for "Simply maintaining" in Home Design Ideas

THE SETUP
Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul.
Design Objectives:
Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room
Omit large unused fireplace in family room
Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions
Dedicated small countertop appliance storage
Seating for 3 or 4 at island
Add pantry storage
Offer solution for lack of mudroom
Upgrade all appliances
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges:
Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam
Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls
Adding a walk-in pantry
Creating mudroom storage
Allowing room for large sectional in family room
Design Solutions:
Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support
Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists
Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage
Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks
Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional
THE RENEWED SPACE
This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Inspiration for a small traditional full sun backyard brick landscaping in St Louis.

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath.
Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them.
This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath.
Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy!
Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority.
Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done.
A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.
Find the right local pro for your project

Bathe your bathroom in beautiful details and luxurious design with floating vanities from Dura Supreme Cabinetry. With Dura Supreme’s floating vanity system, vanities and even linen cabinets are suspended on the wall leaving a sleek, clean look that is ideal for transitional and contemporary design themes. Floating vanities are a favorite look for small bathrooms to impart an open, airy and expansive feel. For this bath, rich bronze and copper finishes are combined for a stunning effect.
A centered sink includes convenient drawers on both sides of the sink for powder room storage, while two wall-hung linen cabinets frame the vanity to create a sleek, symmetric design. A variety of vanity console configurations are available with floating linen cabinets to maintain the style throughout the design. Floating Vanities by Dura Supreme are available in 12 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks) or individual cabinets that can be combined to create your own unique look. 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:
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Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today:
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In our work, we see lots of big homes with big spaces. We also see small homes. And we’ll be the first to tell you that size isn’t what matters.
What’s important is scale.
Through design, we can make a small space look big—or make a big space look small. But more important, we can use scale to make your home interiors meet your functional needs while reflecting your personality, values and style.
The Eyes Have It.
When you step into a room, where do you look?
Directing the eye is one of the magic tricks that designers use to create a particular effect.
Bright red apples in a simple glass bowl immediately draws the eye to a kitchen counter. The hefty wood trivet and rounded concrete planter containing succulents echo the shape of the apples and the bowl, while adding new materials. A wood and metal stand holds an iPad or book for easy recipe reference, all atop an elegant light granite counter.
In a separate arrangement, ceramic artichokes create shape and shine but maintain the neutral color for continuity.
In this context, the eye is drawn immediately to the bright red color. That’s why sparse seasonal decorations can be more effective than heavy ornamentation. We can actually take in more when there are fewer items to focus on.

The master bathroom in this lake-side summer home is a tranquil retreat. The cool-toned palette lends sophistication yet maintains a youthful airy quality. It’s adult yet playful, just like the homeowners.

This is a stunning modern kitchen. Sometimes, contemporary design can feel cold or sterile. This kitchen sets itself apart by adding color, warmth, and custom design elements that remain true to modern aesthetic but add in character and personality. The extra tall upper cabinets add height and drama to the space. The glass inserts at the top have lighted interiors which serve as storage and display areas. The Crown molding continues over the stainless hood, bridging the nearly 4 foot gap between the two sides. The grey accent color on the wall cabinets is echoed at the large kitchen island. The soft white perimeter color serves as a great anchor for the bold grey accent. The granite stays true to the color scheme with its white base and grey and black veining. The back splash is a grey vein cut limestone. The glass inset tiles offer color and shine to the subway limestone. At the hood area, the pattern switches to herringbone, but maintains the glass accent. By using the same tile and simply changing the format, we add visual interest to the space without creating competing elements. The built in window seat is both practical and serves a visual purpose. An overly long counter can feel industrial or boring. The height variation added at the desk and window seat break up the long expanse while adding function. The wood plank floor is actually porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is easier to maintain than wood, and holds up better in heavy traffic or water environments, such as kitchen. The exposed end of the upper cabinets have door panels integrated to the sides. Instead of a 5 foot flat side, the decorative false door adds dimension and character.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Photo of a small traditional full sun backyard brick landscaping in St Louis.

Rectangular double undermount sinks are modern, and a great solution in the easy-to-maintain quartz countertops. Repeating the mosaic accent in the tile backsplash unifies the sink area with the shower, pulling the two spaces together.
Photos by Erika Kelly

The master bathroom in this lake-side summer home is a tranquil retreat. The cool-toned palette lends sophistication yet maintains a youthful airy quality. It’s adult yet playful, just like the homeowners.

This is a stunning modern kitchen. Sometimes, contemporary design can feel cold or sterile. This kitchen sets itself apart by adding color, warmth, and custom design elements that remain true to modern aesthetic but add in character and personality. The extra tall upper cabinets add height and drama to the space. The glass inserts at the top have lighted interiors which serve as storage and display areas. The Crown molding continues over the stainless hood, bridging the nearly 4 foot gap between the two sides. The grey accent color on the wall cabinets is echoed at the large kitchen island. The soft white perimeter color serves as a great anchor for the bold grey accent. The granite stays true to the color scheme with its white base and grey and black veining. The back splash is a grey vein cut limestone. The glass inset tiles offer color and shine to the subway limestone. At the hood area, the pattern switches to herringbone, but maintains the glass accent. By using the same tile and simply changing the format, we add visual interest to the space without creating competing elements. The built in Wolf convection oven and steam oven are a superior option for any cook. The wood plank floor is actually porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is easier to maintain than wood, and holds up better in heavy traffic or water environments, such as kitchen.

NuCore Basic Golden Oak Plank |
This NuCore Basic Golden Oak Plank is 4mm and has a 25 year residential warranty.
Found exclusively at Floor & Decor, NuCore is a 100% waterproof floor that looks and feels like real hardwood. NuCore can be installed in virtually any room in the home or business including kitchens, full bathrooms and basements. NuCore is quick and easy to install! It features a floating locking installation method that can be installed immediately with no acclimation waiting time needed. The planks are extra rigid and can be installed directly over most existing floors and slightly irregular subfloors with no subfloor telegraphing concerns. No glue, nails or underlayment are needed for installation. To cut the product, simply score it with a knife and snap, or use a laminate flooring cutter. To maintain, simply sweep or wet mop.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Artificial Turf
At the center of the landscape is a vibrant green area covered with high-quality artificial turf. The turf is meticulously installed to ensure a seamless and natural look, providing a low-maintenance, year-round green space. The artificial turf is bordered by concrete to maintain a clean and defined edge, preventing the turf from fraying and maintaining the overall neat appearance.
Natural Planter
Adjacent to the artificial turf is a beautifully designed natural planter. This planter is filled with a variety of thriving plants, including colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and small shrubs. The planter is constructed from concrete, matching the style of the surrounding hardscaping. It has a slightly elevated design, which helps in highlighting the plants and provides an interesting visual contrast to the flat turf.
Concrete Patios
On one side of the turf, there is a spacious concrete patio. The patio is designed with a smooth, polished finish, offering a modern and elegant look. It's an ideal area for outdoor furniture, making it perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing outdoors. The concrete patio is connected to the house by a series of stepping stones that blend into the landscape seamlessly.
Sidewalks
Concrete sidewalks meander through the landscape, connecting different areas and providing a clear path for navigation. These sidewalks have a brushed finish, adding a subtle texture that enhances both safety and aesthetics. They are bordered by lush greenery and flower beds, which soften the hard edges of the concrete and create a balanced look.
Concrete Border
Surrounding the entire landscape is a concrete border that ties the various elements together. This border is slightly raised, providing a clear demarcation between different areas, such as the artificial turf, natural planter, and the surrounding greenery. The border also helps in containing soil and mulch within the planter areas, maintaining a clean and organized appearance.

In our work, we see lots of big homes with big spaces. We also see small homes. And we’ll be the first to tell you that size isn’t what matters.
What’s important is scale.
Through design, we can make a small space look big—or make a big space look small. But more important, we can use scale to make your home interiors meet your functional needs while reflecting your personality, values and style.
The Eyes Have It.
When you step into a room, where do you look?
Directing the eye is one of the magic tricks that designers use to create a particular effect.
Bright red apples in a simple glass bowl immediately draws the eye to a kitchen counter. The hefty wood trivet and rounded concrete planter containing succulents echo the shape of the apples and the bowl, while adding new materials. A wood and metal stand holds an iPad or book for easy recipe reference, all atop an elegant light granite counter.
In a separate arrangement, ceramic artichokes create shape and shine but maintain the neutral color for continuity.
In this context, the eye is drawn immediately to the bright red color. That’s why sparse seasonal decorations can be more effective than heavy ornamentation. We can actually take in more when there are fewer items to focus on.

Mimi has maintained the open feel of this dining room by adding Aeon's Tower-6 chest. This chest works equally as well in your dining room, living room or bedroom.

Artificial Turf
At the center of the landscape is a vibrant green area covered with high-quality artificial turf. The turf is meticulously installed to ensure a seamless and natural look, providing a low-maintenance, year-round green space. The artificial turf is bordered by concrete to maintain a clean and defined edge, preventing the turf from fraying and maintaining the overall neat appearance.
Natural Planter
Adjacent to the artificial turf is a beautifully designed natural planter. This planter is filled with a variety of thriving plants, including colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and small shrubs. The planter is constructed from concrete, matching the style of the surrounding hardscaping. It has a slightly elevated design, which helps in highlighting the plants and provides an interesting visual contrast to the flat turf.
Concrete Patios
On one side of the turf, there is a spacious concrete patio. The patio is designed with a smooth, polished finish, offering a modern and elegant look. It's an ideal area for outdoor furniture, making it perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing outdoors. The concrete patio is connected to the house by a series of stepping stones that blend into the landscape seamlessly.
Sidewalks
Concrete sidewalks meander through the landscape, connecting different areas and providing a clear path for navigation. These sidewalks have a brushed finish, adding a subtle texture that enhances both safety and aesthetics. They are bordered by lush greenery and flower beds, which soften the hard edges of the concrete and create a balanced look.
Concrete Border
Surrounding the entire landscape is a concrete border that ties the various elements together. This border is slightly raised, providing a clear demarcation between different areas, such as the artificial turf, natural planter, and the surrounding greenery. The border also helps in containing soil and mulch within the planter areas, maintaining a clean and organized appearance.

Soott and Catherine Buley, HTT&T, High Tech Turf & Trees. Fun with installation OF moss covered boulders and stone to naturalize a site. This modified Rain Garden installed with pervious pavers and water-side plants like Juncus/Bull-Reed, and others. Note sedums and ornamental grasses are simply maintained. PREVIOUSLY swamp-like conditions on this site were totally transformed to dry during our Landscape Makeover.

Some rooms never quite find their purpose. That was the case with this space, which had gradually become a combination home office, pantry overflow area, pet zone, and general catch-all for daily life. While it offered plenty of square footage, it wasn’t helping the homeowners stay organized, and valuable storage was scattered between an overcrowded pantry closet and various pieces of furniture throughout the room.
Having previously partnered with Drury Design on a kitchen remodel, these homeowners once again turned to Senior Designer Samantha Schoell to help them rethink how their home could better support the way they actually live. What began as a conversation about adding some cabinetry quickly evolved into a comprehensive storage solution — one designed to accommodate everything from groceries and sports equipment to pet supplies and everyday household essentials.
Design Objectives:
Create Organization: Consolidate pantry overflow, household supplies, and everyday essentials into a single, highly functional space.
Support Family Life: Provide dedicated storage for coats, bags, sports equipment, and the routines of an active household.
Accommodate Pets: Incorporate thoughtful features for the family’s dogs while maintaining a clean, organized appearance.
Maximize Existing Space: Transform an underutilized room without expanding the home’s footprint.
Maintain Flexibility: Preserve the room’s long-term versatility and appeal for future homeowners.
Design Challenges:
Multiple Functions: The room was being used simultaneously as a home office, pantry, storage area, and pet space without a cohesive organizational strategy.
Insufficient Pantry Storage: The nearby pantry closet had become overcrowded and difficult to navigate.
Visual Clutter: Everyday items, pet supplies, and household necessities lacked dedicated storage locations.
Unused Potential: Despite its generous size, the room was not contributing meaningfully to the home’s overall functionality.
Balancing Practicality and Style: The homeowners wanted substantial storage without creating a space that felt overly utilitarian.
Design Solutions:
Purpose-Built Storage Plan: Custom cabinetry was designed to support multiple functions within a unified storage system, allowing the room to serve as a mudroom, pantry extension, household hub, and pet station.
Expanded Pantry Capacity: Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a secondary refrigerator, and extensive drawer storage dramatically increased food storage and organization capabilities.
Hidden Organization: Closed cabinetry conceals household items, sports gear, pet supplies, and everyday clutter, creating a calm and orderly appearance.
Full-Room Transformation: Rather than simply adding cabinets to one wall, the design reimagined the entire room, utilizing its footprint to create a true family command center.
Furniture-Inspired Cabinetry: Warm wood finishes, decorative hardware, open display shelving, and thoughtful detailing elevate the room beyond pure utility, helping it feel like a natural extension of the home’s design.
The most successful remodeling projects often solve problems homeowners have simply learned to live with. In this case, a room that once served several purposes — but excelled at none — was transformed into one of the hardest-working spaces in the home.
Today, groceries, pet supplies, seasonal gear, household essentials, and daily routines all have a designated place. Even the family’s dogs were thoughtfully considered, with a built-in resting area integrated into the cabinetry. The result is a room that feels remarkably organized despite supporting countless everyday activities — a reflection of how thoughtful design can bring clarity, efficiency, and calm to the busiest parts of family life.
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