The modern and clean lined living and family room allows the eye to focus on the guitar, banjos and mandolin. The homeowners are also avid collectors of old 33 rpm records. Alise O'Brien photography

This is an example of a large rustic side porch design in Birmingham with decking and a roof extension.

Crate and Barrel slipcovered sofa Rattan Malawi occational chair Antique wood chest with brass fittings Photographer Carter Berg
Living room - large coastal open concept ceramic tile living room idea in Boston with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Columbus with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Bedroom - large contemporary loft-style carpeted and white floor bedroom idea in San Francisco with beige walls and no fireplace

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch
Trendy carpeted straight staircase photo in Santa Barbara with beige walls and carpeted risers

Trendy light wood floor family room photo in Cardiff with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Example of a mountain style exterior home design in San Diego

Bunk room with built-in beds
Mountain style carpeted and beige floor bedroom photo with beige walls and no fireplace

Matt Wier
Transitional freestanding desk light wood floor study room photo in Los Angeles

Modern Great Room: open living, dining, and kitchen. Nelson Bubble Lamp. Walnut accent wall. Kitchen defined with sculpted walls and celing overhangs. Scott Hargis Photography building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.

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.

MG Photography
Deck - traditional deck idea in Detroit with a fireplace

Gibeon Photography
Large trendy single-wall medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, paneled appliances and no island

Example of a mountain style patio design in Philadelphia with a bbq area

A couple of years later, the Lynch's had us come over and put arches under the deck and enclose the entire underside with 5/4 x 2 cedar lattice strips that we ripped from 2 x 6 cedar stock.

Sleek contemporary kitchen with marble countertops, gray wood custom cabinets, stone tile backsplash, hardwood floor, white wood vaulted ceiling, and handblown glass light fixtures.

Old home bathroom remodel preserving classic look with updated elements. New vanity with double undermount sinks and quartz countertop. Tile shower under slanted roof with small shower bench.