This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

JUMA architects were contacted for the interior design of a shell-state apartment on the coast. The structural construction, the plastering, the floor screed and the technical fittings (heating ducts, plumbing, electricity and ventilation) of the apartment had already been realised. It soon became apparent, however, that the assignment could not be limited to the interior decoration only, as the placement of kitchen, bathroom and dressing room in the existing plan turned out to be entirely impractical. More extensive renovation work was needed to meet the needs of the customer. The structure of the unit was therefore slightly adjusted to make the bathroom and dressing larger and more functional. Also, the living room was dominated by a huge radiator that drew all the attention. To solve this problem, new pipes were laid to accommodate an integrated heating element in the sideboard. Gas pipes were fitted in the kitchen for the gas cooker which JUMA included in the design as a real eye-catcher. The sinks, in contrast, were given a more discreet placement. Light oak parquet was selected for the floors throughout the apartment. The natural appearance of the wood gives all the rooms a warm feel. The built-in furniture was custom made and is finished in black satin lacquer to contrast the light-coloured wood. The dominant colour palette is deliberately kept very simple and neutral and is complemented with light grey tones and colour accents. The colour choice was in fact inspired by a beautiful picture of the coast. The freestanding furniture and overall decorations were also selected or designed by JUMA architects. The arrangement of the seating area is very playful and atypical. JUMA did not want to put in a couch that would divide the space in two. The composition is meant to create a very open ambiance. A round table was chosen for the same reason. The round shape does not divide the space but allows fluid circulation. Pictures © Liesbet Goetschalckx

This 1914 family farmhouse was passed down from the original owners to their grandson and his young family. The original goal was to restore the old home to its former glory. However, when we started planning the remodel, we discovered the foundation needed to be replaced, the roof framing didn’t meet code, all the electrical, plumbing and mechanical would have to be removed, siding replaced, and much more. We quickly realized that instead of restoring the home, it would be more cost effective to deconstruct the home, recycle the materials, and build a replica of the old house using as much of the salvaged materials as we could. The design of the new construction is greatly influenced by the old home with traditional craftsman design interiors. We worked with a deconstruction specialist to salvage the old-growth timber and reused or re-purposed many of the original materials. We moved the house back on the property, connecting it to the existing garage, and lowered the elevation of the home which made it more accessible to the existing grades. The new home includes 5-panel doors, columned archways, tall baseboards, reused wood for architectural highlights in the kitchen, a food-preservation room, exercise room, playful wallpaper in the guest bath and fun era-specific fixtures throughout.

This stylish family of four came to us yearning for added functionality with flair. The couple recently updated other areas of the home on their own quite beautifully, but realized they needed the help of professionals when it came to the kitchen and mudroom. The new kitchen plan enlarged the island with additional seating, eliminated soffits for extra storage and an updated look, and swapped out the desk for a message center with a hidden charging/drop area. A cozy banquette was designed for the eat-in area of the kitchen. Drawers below the bench add storage to this gathering spot. Aesthetic elements with a soft industrial feel to compliment the new interiors were desired. Beautiful island detailing with tall brackets, panels and base molding in a lovely grey paint in contrast to the white perimeter create a focal point for the space. The homeowner sourced a fun light fixture to top off the island. This along with a stainless chimney hood and appliances add to the overall industrial appeal. Grey cabinetry in the mudroom flows with the kitchen while adding cubbies and a bench with lockers above. A cabinetry surround for the washer and dryer integrates the built-ins in a space that works hard while looking pretty.

Peg and Randy had a wonderful experience working with APlus and were impressed with the incredible workmanship that went into the remodel. They started their journey looking at their options with stock cabinets and came to realize it wasn’t the best choice for them. A friend that was very happy with the remodel being completed at her home by APlus recommended they call to set up an appointment to meet with a designer. They met with Alex and loved his design ideas so they decided to hire APlus to remodel their kitchen. Peg and Randy were very pleased with the cost and were very surprised to find that a custom kitchen was well within their budget. When guest ask them how they came up with the design concept of the kitchen they praise Alex for coming up with such a gorgeous design. Many changes were made in the kitchen such as adding wonderful high end appliances and hiding the microwave from view. Prior to remodeling their kitchen they had such limited storage space in the kitchen that they resorted to using their garage to store items. This Lake Forest couple now has an amazing amount of hidden storage space with plenty of new space to spare. Now when they step into their kitchen they are in awe and disbelief that they finally have the kitchen of their dreams. http://www.apluskitchen.com/Orange-County-Lake-Forest-Complete-Kitchen-Remodel-Project76.html

Sometimes when you need a new refrigerator, you just need a new refrigerator. BUT sometimes when you need a new refrigerator, you realize that there is a whole lot more that is out of whack that a new icebox isn't going to come close to fixing. That is just where my clients were when they first called me. They had shopped, they had had layouts developed by the kitchen designers at Home Depot, they had tried drawing up floor plans themselves…but even with the promise of all new everything in the kitchen, something still felt wrong. What could it be? Their existing kitchen was put in by the builder when the house was built 15+ years ago. Using the room to cook felt frustrating, uninspiring--there was so much space, so why did it feel like it simply didn't work? They were ready for something that had the wow factor, an amazing space for the three generations of their family that all live under one roof to hang out in, cook together and dine. First, our renovation gave purpose to all of those square feet, and put lovely finishes in place (beautiful cabinets, rustic barn wood paneling, stunning limestone tile and quartz countertops) that elevated the feel and function of the room with excellent craftsmanship and quality. In addition, we addressed how the kitchen related to the rooms around it. Expanding and moving the doorway to the kitchen and opening up sight lines between it and the adjacent rooms changed not only how the kitchen felt, but also made the whole downstairs feel more cohesive and welcoming. Laura Kicey

This project is a good example of what can be done with a little refresh. Sometimes parts of your space work well and parts don’t, so a full gut and replace might not make sense. That was the case here. After living with it for a decade or so realized they would really prefer two sinks in the vanity. Since there were two windows in the bathroom, we decided to eliminate the window to the left of the current vanity and replace with it with a longer run of cabinets. The other window is to the right of the vanity let’s in beautiful morning light. The window we removed was a northern exposure and its location under an eave didn’t allow for much light, so it was the perfect solution! In addition to the new vanity, we also changed out the countertop, added new mirrors and lighting, and changed out the tile floor to a larger hex with fewer grout lines. This adds a brighter more modern look while still maintaining the vintage feel of the room. The shower was in great shape, so we left that as is except for swapping out the shower floor tile to match the main floor and adding a more updated decorative mosaic tile. We added a new toilet and for a bit of luxury a heated towel bar. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com Project Year: 2020

This stylish family of four came to us yearning for added functionality with flair. The couple recently updated other areas of the home on their own quite beautifully, but realized they needed the help of professionals when it came to the kitchen and mudroom. The new kitchen plan enlarged the island with additional seating, eliminated soffits for extra storage and an updated look, and swapped out the desk for a message center with a hidden charging/drop area. A cozy banquette was designed for the eat-in area of the kitchen. Drawers below the bench add storage to this gathering spot. Aesthetic elements with a soft industrial feel to compliment the new interiors were desired. Beautiful island detailing with tall brackets, panels and base molding in a lovely grey paint in contrast to the white perimeter create a focal point for the space. The homeowner sourced a fun light fixture to top off the island. This along with a stainless chimney hood and appliances add to the overall industrial appeal. Grey cabinetry in the mudroom flows with the kitchen while adding cubbies and a bench with lockers above. A cabinetry surround for the washer and dryer integrates the built-ins in a space that works hard while looking pretty.

Removing walls that seperated the family room from the kitchen is always rewarding! This project yeilded a peninsula bar where there once was a wall.

Contemporary Palo Alto open concept kitchen with modern blue cabinets and glass front wall mounted cabinets with interior lighting The 'tower' anchors the island and defines the kitchen space. On the kitchen side it houses the microwave, coffemaker and other small appliances, leaving the counter uncluttered. Photo: European Cabinets and Design Studios

JUMA architects were contacted for the interior design of a shell-state apartment on the coast. The structural construction, the plastering, the floor screed and the technical fittings (heating ducts, plumbing, electricity and ventilation) of the apartment had already been realised. It soon became apparent, however, that the assignment could not be limited to the interior decoration only, as the placement of kitchen, bathroom and dressing room in the existing plan turned out to be entirely impractical. More extensive renovation work was needed to meet the needs of the customer. The structure of the unit was therefore slightly adjusted to make the bathroom and dressing larger and more functional. Also, the living room was dominated by a huge radiator that drew all the attention. To solve this problem, new pipes were laid to accommodate an integrated heating element in the sideboard. Gas pipes were fitted in the kitchen for the gas cooker which JUMA included in the design as a real eye-catcher. The sinks, in contrast, were given a more discreet placement. Light oak parquet was selected for the floors throughout the apartment. The natural appearance of the wood gives all the rooms a warm feel. The built-in furniture was custom made and is finished in black satin lacquer to contrast the light-coloured wood. The dominant colour palette is deliberately kept very simple and neutral and is complemented with light grey tones and colour accents. The colour choice was in fact inspired by a beautiful picture of the coast. The freestanding furniture and overall decorations were also selected or designed by JUMA architects. The arrangement of the seating area is very playful and atypical. JUMA did not want to put in a couch that would divide the space in two. The composition is meant to create a very open ambiance. A round table was chosen for the same reason. The round shape does not divide the space but allows fluid circulation. Pictures © Liesbet Goetschalckx

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us in a bit of a panic when she realized that she really wanted her bathroom to be updated by March 1st due to having 2 daughters getting married in the spring and one graduating. We were only about 5 months out from that date, but decided we were up for the challenge. The beautiful historical home was built in 1896 by an ornithologist (bird expert), so we took our cues from that as a starting point. The flooring is a vintage basket weave of marble and limestone, the shower walls of the tub shower conversion are clad in subway tile with a vintage feel. The lighting, mirror and plumbing fixtures all have a vintage vibe that feels both fitting and up to date. To give a little of an eclectic feel, we chose a custom green paint color for the linen cabinet, mushroom paint for the ship lap paneling that clads the walls and selected a vintage mirror that ties in the color from the existing door trim. We utilized some antique trim from the home for the wainscot cap for more vintage flavor. The drama in the bathroom comes from the wallpaper and custom shower curtain, both in William Morris’s iconic “Strawberry Thief” print that tells the story of thrushes stealing fruit, so fitting for the home’s history. There is a lot of this pattern in a very small space, so we were careful to make sure the pattern on the wallpaper and shower curtain aligned. A sweet little bird tie back for the shower curtain completes the story... Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Example of a mid-sized 1950s master subway tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor claw-foot bathtub design in San Francisco with open cabinets, white walls and a pedestal sink

Dale Hall Photography, LLC
Inspiration for a rustic l-shaped open concept kitchen remodel in Milwaukee with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops and an island

This transformative basement remodel turns a once bare and utilitarian space into an inviting subterranean retreat, complete with a custom-built bar that's the epitome of at-home sophistication. The 'before' picture reveals a stark, unfinished basement, which has been masterfully converted into a cozy and stylish entertainment zone. The bar area exudes a rustic yet refined vibe, featuring rich wood textures that contrast beautifully with the sleek marble countertop. Equipped with a professional sink and tap setup, the bar is designed to serve as the centerpiece for social gatherings, offering beer on tap that adds a unique, personalized touch. Accentuated by strategic lighting that casts a warm and welcoming glow, the space invites guests to linger. The recessed alcove with beer taps not only serves as a practical beverage station but also as a visual highlight, with a textured wood backdrop that adds depth and character. Comfortable seating at the bar, paired with the intimate ambiance created by the soft recessed lighting, ensures this basement is now a prime location for relaxation and hosting. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable, transitioning from a blank canvas to a fully-realized entertainment haven that any homeowner would cherish.

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

This transformative basement remodel turns a once bare and utilitarian space into an inviting subterranean retreat, complete with a custom-built bar that's the epitome of at-home sophistication. The 'before' picture reveals a stark, unfinished basement, which has been masterfully converted into a cozy and stylish entertainment zone. The bar area exudes a rustic yet refined vibe, featuring rich wood textures that contrast beautifully with the sleek marble countertop. Equipped with a professional sink and tap setup, the bar is designed to serve as the centerpiece for social gatherings, offering beer on tap that adds a unique, personalized touch. Accentuated by strategic lighting that casts a warm and welcoming glow, the space invites guests to linger. The recessed alcove with beer taps not only serves as a practical beverage station but also as a visual highlight, with a textured wood backdrop that adds depth and character. Comfortable seating at the bar, paired with the intimate ambiance created by the soft recessed lighting, ensures this basement is now a prime location for relaxation and hosting. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable, transitioning from a blank canvas to a fully-realized entertainment haven that any homeowner would cherish.

This transformative basement remodel turns a once bare and utilitarian space into an inviting subterranean retreat, complete with a custom-built bar that's the epitome of at-home sophistication. The 'before' picture reveals a stark, unfinished basement, which has been masterfully converted into a cozy and stylish entertainment zone. The bar area exudes a rustic yet refined vibe, featuring rich wood textures that contrast beautifully with the sleek marble countertop. Equipped with a professional sink and tap setup, the bar is designed to serve as the centerpiece for social gatherings, offering beer on tap that adds a unique, personalized touch. Accentuated by strategic lighting that casts a warm and welcoming glow, the space invites guests to linger. The recessed alcove with beer taps not only serves as a practical beverage station but also as a visual highlight, with a textured wood backdrop that adds depth and character. Comfortable seating at the bar, paired with the intimate ambiance created by the soft recessed lighting, ensures this basement is now a prime location for relaxation and hosting. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable, transitioning from a blank canvas to a fully-realized entertainment haven that any homeowner would cherish.