Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Inspiration for a large rustic galley ceramic tile seated home bar remodel with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Home office - mediterranean freestanding desk multicolored floor home office idea in Santa Barbara with black walls

Happy Valentine’s Day Caution - this post is geared toward Your Girl! #MiddleTennessee #Murfreesboro #Franklin #Brentwood Doesn't everyone love a relaxing, resting, peaceful, playful and “love is in the air” Valentine’s Day. We always try and make it a perfect day for our loved one on Valentine’s Day. If you have missed the opportunity to give your sweetie a long lasting present of love they can admire for years to come start planning now. This renovation has all the special touches for that, “Someone Special”. It is not hard for a woman to imaging the rose pedals all over the floor with the candles strategically placed in the room as she meanders over for a relaxing bath before the big night out with her loved one. The wood paneled wall accentuates the window with a view to nature itself. This bathroom renovation is a mixture for Him & Her. He is not left without as he enjoys the additional features of the shower that provide a massage effect. Call RSU Contractors today to get started on your new renovation 615-269-3906.

This Parisian paradise was designed for a very special young girl. Her Mother contacted Greene Designs looking for someone to create the room her daughter had been dreaming about for years. Due to an accident when she was an infant she has had to endure hundreds of surgeries over her life. When I heard her story I knew she was deserving of something wonderful. Her Mother and I set out to create a room that has a touch of Parisian sophistication (a place they hope to visit soon), and the fun and whimsy of a pre-teen’s room. This bedroom includes a daybed with a trundle perfect for sleepovers, a charming nightstand with a bit of “bling”, a vanity where she can do her makeup, a dresser with a mirror, and a chandelier. The paint and accessories pulled the room together completing the Parisian design. I was so happy to be chosen to design a room for such a fun, sweet, and courageous young lady.

Photo: Sarah McFarland © 2016 Houzz
Inspiration for a country dining room remodel in New York

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

This Brooklyn home needed custom cabinets to work around the narrow master closet space. The end result is a closet with ample drawers, shelves and hanging rods to store both his and hers belongings.

Photo: Heather Banks © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic dining room remodel in Austin

Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

As this family was moving to Dallas, they needed the guidance of a designer to provide finishing touches to the building process as well as someone to fully furnish their new home. Their desire was to have a new start in an updated transitional and slightly modern style, quite different from their previous home’s modern farmhouse décor. We brought in clean lines, warm textures and an abundance of neutrals to keep a light and airy feel throughout most of the home, reserving some moody tones for the study and a little drama in the guest bath. This home’s new, elevated aesthetic is a perfect balance of beauty, function, light and elegance. It just flows with feelings of comfort and ease!

An original turn-of-the-century Craftsman home had lost it original charm in the kitchen and bathroom, both renovated in the 1980s. The clients desired to restore the original look, while still giving the spaces an updated feel. Both rooms were gutted and new materials, fittings and appliances were installed, creating a strong reference to the history of the home, while still moving the house into the 21st century. Photos by Melissa McCafferty

Example of a trendy open concept light wood floor family room design in Austin with white walls, no fireplace and a tv stand

Photos credited to Imagesmith- Scott Smith Open and functional kitchen, access everything with your fingertips. Including the dining room, wood burning stove, and living area. The structural Douglas Fir post and ceiling beams set the tone along with the stain matched 2x6 pine tongue and groove ceiling –this also serves as the finished floor surface at the loft above. Dreaming a cozy feel at the kitchen/dining area a darker stain was used to visual provide a shorter ceiling height to a 9’ plate line. The knotty Alder floating shelves and wall cabinetry share their own natural finish with a chocolate glazing. The island cabinet was of painted maple with a chocolate glaze as well, this unit wanted to look like a piece of furniture that was brought into the ‘cabin’ rather than built-in, again with a value minded approach. The flooring is a pre-finished engineered ½” Oak flooring, and again with the darker shade we wanted to emotionally deliver the cozier feel for the space. Additionally, lighting is essential to a cook’s –and kitchen’s- performance. We needed there to be ample lighting but only wanted to draw attention to the pendants above the island and the dining chandelier. We opted to wash the back splash and the counter tops with hidden LED strips. We then elected to use track lighting over the cooking area with as small of heads as possible and in black to make them ‘go away’ or get lost in the sauce.

NITZAN HOME COLLECTION Family Room: Custom King Bed,Custom Bed Side Tables, "BORDERS" Silk Rug
Large minimalist master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Taking in the panoramic views of this Modern Mediterranean Resort while dipping into its luxurious pool feels like a getaway tucked into the hills of Westlake Village. Although, this home wasn’t always so inviting. It originally had the view to impress guests but no space to entertain them. One day, the owners ran into a sign that it was time to remodel their home. Quite literally, they were walking around their neighborhood and saw a JRP Design & Remodel sign in someone’s front yard. They became our clients, and our architects drew up a new floorplan for their home. It included a massive addition to the front and a total reconfiguration to the backyard. These changes would allow us to create an entry, expand the small living room, and design an outdoor living space in the backyard. There was only one thing standing in the way of all of this – a mountain formed out of solid rock. Our team spent extensive time chipping away at it to reconstruct the home’s layout. Like always, the hard work was all worth it in the end for our clients to have their dream home! Luscious landscaping now surrounds the new addition to the front of the home. Its roof is topped with red clay Spanish tiles, giving it a Mediterranean feel. Walking through the iron door, you’re welcomed by a new entry where you can see all the way through the home to the backyard resort and all its glory, thanks to the living room’s LaCantina bi-fold door. A transparent fence lining the back of the property allows you to enjoy the hillside view without any obstruction. Within the backyard, a 38-foot long, deep blue modernized pool gravitates you to relaxation. The Baja shelf inside it is a tempting spot to lounge in the water and keep cool, while the chairs nearby provide another option for leaning back and soaking up the sun. On a hot day or chilly night, guests can gather under the sheltered outdoor living space equipped with ceiling fans and heaters. This space includes a kitchen with Stoneland marble countertops and a 42-inch Hestan barbeque. Next to it, a long dining table awaits a feast. Additional seating is available by the TV and fireplace. From the various entertainment spots to the open layout and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder why the owners love to call their home a “Modern Mediterranean Resort.” Photographer: Andrew Orozco