The open, relaxed environment of this Tuscan-inspired, modern farmhouse kitchen invites family to casually gather and share their day. It feels like a wonderful blend of family heirloom and modern simplicity. With two door styles and three finishes, this kitchen is a delight to the senses and conjures up visions of generations coming together to prepare hearty food and enjoy good conversation. It is a room where everyday life happens. The Cardinal red island is not only eye-catching, it is also very versatile. One side features a base cooking center to store pans, dishes and more. While the other side utilizes an island end cap to store linens, cutlery or other small items, as well as a bottom shelf to display either decorative or commonly used items. It is also works as a great place to prepare food or serve snacks while someone else is cooking. This kitchen also features an appliance garage to store small appliances; a base liter pull-out to the left of the stove for easy access to favorite oils or cooking wines; a book case for either cook books or children’s toys; a cove hood with trim molding; and a stylish metal apron sink. Another highlight is the double doors with glass inserts that add a dramatic focal point to the wall and a terrific place to display cherished items.

"Kerry was invited to our house to bid on our kitchen remodel in August 2012. We were impressed with his courtesy and professionalism from the start. His estimates were prompt and changes to the scope of work were ready the next day. After we went on vacation for a month, we started work in October. The scope of work included: he removed the counter tops, sink, plumbing, all base and wall cabinets, appliances, french doors and backsplashes. He replaced all switches and outlets, and stops on the water supply. He repaired some damaged drywall. Kerry helped us with our cabinet and granite countertop selection and oversaw their installation within the existing footprint. He installed a stainless undermount sink, garbage disposal, faucet, drain plumbing, and airgap. Our experience with Kerry and his crew was positive from start to finish. Everyone was courteous, prompt, and professional. The work was completed in a timely manner and right on the original estimate. Most importantly, the kitchen is absolutely beautiful. Everytime someone comes over they just say "wow, what a great kitchen!" We highly recommend TaylorPro for anyone looking for an excellent, quality kitchen remodel. ~John & Ann S, Clients Kitchen remodeling inspirations come from a variety of sources including cultural backgrounds, idealistic ideas, up and coming trends, and personal needs. This kitchen remodel was inspired by a faulty microwave. So the start of the journey was not as elegant as the final destination, but it makes for a great story. Oh, and the final destination included 3 bath remodels too! LOL Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

  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

Engineered hardwood flooring by Hallmark Floors. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Alta Vista engineered hardwood floors. ALTA VISTA COLLECTION URL http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/alta-vista-hardwood-collection/ Alta Vista Hardwood Collection 7.5″ wide wood planks are beautifully hand sculpted & lightly wire brushed. The contemporary to traditional style comes in a wide range of modern colors that will suit any lifestyle. The Alta Vista hardwood floors collection is finished with Hallmark’s NuOil®, which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish on our Alta Vista hardwood collection has a unique performance characteristics that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visuals that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. With NuOil® you get the best of all worlds: durability, amazing visuals, and a natural finish.

This lakefront diamond in the rough lot was waiting to be discovered by someone with a modern naturalistic vision and passion. Maintaining an eco-friendly, and sustainable build was at the top of the client priority list. Designed and situated to benefit from passive and active solar as well as through breezes from the lake, this indoor/outdoor living space truly establishes a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings. The pie-shaped lot provided significant challenges with a street width of 50ft, a steep shoreline buffer of 50ft, as well as a powerline easement reducing the buildable area. The client desired a smaller home of approximately 2500sf that juxtaposed modern lines with the free form of the natural setting. The 250ft of lakefront afforded 180-degree views which guided the design to maximize this vantage point while supporting the adjacent environment through preservation of heritage trees. Prior to construction the shoreline buffer had been rewilded with wildflowers, perennials, utilization of clover and meadow grasses to support healthy animal and insect re-population. The inclusion of solar panels as well as hydroponic heated floors and wood stove supported the owner’s desire to be self-sufficient. Core ten steel was selected as the predominant material to allow it to “rust” as it weathers thus blending into the natural environment.

Study room - mid-sized mediterranean freestanding desk brown floor, wallpaper and dark wood floor study room idea in San Diego

Recent empty-nesters, the clients were ready to pare down and renovate their dated mid-century modern home. Specifically, they wanted to enlarge their cramped (30 square foot) unattractive room for the master shower and toilet. Desiring to live in their home for many more years, the new space utilizes universal design principals such an accessible oversized pocket door, grab bars*, door-less curb-less shower access, and a hand shower. The shower valves are conveniently located at the shower entrance and a handy niche accented with glass tiles, keeps all the needed products at hand. A sleek slot drain keeps the water flowing in the right direction. ** Large format porcelain tile in a grey veined white marble design keeps the look light and airy and continues the new design aesthetic of the home. *Planning for future additional grab bars, blocking is provided in the wall below the niche. ** To accommodate the flush threshold and for added precaution, waterproofing underlayment was installed for the entire floor surface of the room. Aaron Dougherty Photography

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Miami

"Kerry was invited to our house to bid on our kitchen remodel in August 2012. We were impressed with his courtesy and professionalism from the start. His estimates were prompt and changes to the scope of work were ready the next day. After we went on vacation for a month, we started work in October. The scope of work included: he removed the counter tops, sink, plumbing, all base and wall cabinets, appliances, french doors and backsplashes. He replaced all switches and outlets, and stops on the water supply. He repaired some damaged drywall. Kerry helped us with our cabinet and granite countertop selection and oversaw their installation within the existing footprint. He installed a stainless undermount sink, garbage disposal, faucet, drain plumbing, and airgap. Our experience with Kerry and his crew was positive from start to finish. Everyone was courteous, prompt, and professional. The work was completed in a timely manner and right on the original estimate. Most importantly, the kitchen is absolutely beautiful. Everytime someone comes over they just say "wow, what a great kitchen!" We highly recommend TaylorPro for anyone looking for an excellent, quality kitchen remodel. ~John & Ann S, Clients Kitchen remodeling inspirations come from a variety of sources including cultural backgrounds, idealistic ideas, up and coming trends, and personal needs. This kitchen remodel was inspired by a faulty microwave. So the start of the journey was not as elegant as the final destination, but it makes for a great story. Oh, and the final destination included 3 bath remodels too! LOL Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

Hallmark Floors Monterey Engineered hardwood floors installed in modern kitchen. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Monterey Collection MONTEREY COLLECTION URL: http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/monterey-hardwood-collection/ Alta Vista Hardwood Collection 7.5″ wide wood planks are beautifully hand sculpted & lightly wire brushed. The contemporary to traditional style comes in a wide range of modern colors that will suit any lifestyle. The Alta Vista hardwood floors collection is finished with Hallmark’s NuOil®, which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish on our Alta Vista hardwood collection has a unique performance characteristics that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visuals that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. With NuOil® you get the best of all worlds: durability, amazing visuals, and a natural finish. Alta Vista hardwood collection is simply beautiful. URL http://glendaletilecompany.com

Kasia Karska Design is a design-build firm located in the heart of the Vail Valley and Colorado Rocky Mountains. The design and build process should feel effortless and enjoyable. Our strengths at KKD lie in our comprehensive approach. We understand that when our clients look for someone to design and build their dream home, there are many options for them to choose from. With nearly 25 years of experience, we understand the key factors that create a successful building project. -Seamless Service – we handle both the design and construction in-house -Constant Communication in all phases of the design and build -A unique home that is a perfect reflection of you -In-depth understanding of your requirements -Multi-faceted approach with additional studies in the traditions of Vaastu Shastra and Feng Shui Eastern design principles Because each home is entirely tailored to the individual client, they are all one-of-a-kind and entirely unique. We get to know our clients well and encourage them to be an active part of the design process in order to build their custom home. One driving factor as to why our clients seek us out is the fact that we handle all phases of the home design and build. There is no challenge too big because we have the tools and the motivation to build your custom home. At Kasia Karska Design, we focus on the details; and, being a women-run business gives us the advantage of being empathetic throughout the entire process. Thanks to our approach, many clients have trusted us with the design and build of their homes. If you’re ready to build a home that’s unique to your lifestyle, goals, and vision, Kasia Karska Design’s doors are always open. We look forward to helping you design and build the home of your dreams, your own personal sanctuary.

This job was for a repeat client in Toft near Cambridge who had aa stunning large hallway that was tiled in beautiful pale Limestone. My client had asked me back to work on the floor having previously completed the deep clean and seal of a Terracotta floor previously. The Limestone tiling in the entrance hall had years of some type of topical sealer applied to it. This caused the stone to look slightly discoloured and from certain lights showed up hundreds of scratches and smudges embedded in the seal. I’ve tried to capture this problem in the photographs on this page, but it was very difficult. A topical sealer sits on the surface of the tile where it is vulnerable to scratching, hallways are generally high traffic areas and so more likely to see this sort of problem. Ideally an impregnating sealer should have been applied, impregnators work by occupying the pores in the stone thus preventing soiling from becoming ingrained in the stone. Before starting we protected the woodwork against splashing with blue film, I don’t usually make a great deal of mess, but you can never be too careful when working in someone’s property especially one as beautiful as this. To strip off the old sealer I began by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the Limestone tiles. I split the floor into sections and used a 400-grit diamond burnishing pad to work the Tile Doctor Remove and Go into the tiles. The floor was then rinsed off using our high-pressure cleaning system that applies pressurised hot water to the floor whilst simultaneously extracting the soil with its built-in vacuum. The system is quite heavy, so it is built into my van, and I run a large flexible hose to a spinner tool that does the cleaning. It is an expensive tool, but it saves a lot of time and leaves the floor fairly dry afterwards. The 400-grit pad had released a lot of the sealer but there were quite a few layers to get through, so I changed the burnishing pad to a coarse 200-grit pad and repeated the process. After another rinse and extract I would see it had the desired effect and I was able to carry on building up the finish on the Limestone by apply the 400-grit followed by the 800, 1500 grit pads. It was a large floor and so this took up much of the day so once complete I left for the day so it could dry off overnight. The next day I finished the polishing process with the application of a 3000-grit burnishing pad which is applied with a little water sprayed onto the tile and really brings up the polish on the stone. This process has the added advantage of leaving the floor dry so not long afterwards I was able to move on to sealing. For this floor two coats of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal were applied, it is an impregnating sealer that won’t alter the colour of the tiles leaving a natural look. My client was much happier with the new finish and has asked for another quotation on some more Terracotta flooring that needs attention. For aftercare I recommend using Tile Doctor stone soap, it’s a special formula that builds on the patina which will help maintain the polished appearance of the Limestone. Tom Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor

"Kerry was invited to our house to bid on our kitchen remodel in August 2012. We were impressed with his courtesy and professionalism from the start. His estimates were prompt and changes to the scope of work were ready the next day. After we went on vacation for a month, we started work in October. The scope of work included: he removed the counter tops, sink, plumbing, all base and wall cabinets, appliances, french doors and backsplashes. He replaced all switches and outlets, and stops on the water supply. He repaired some damaged drywall. Kerry helped us with our cabinet and granite countertop selection and oversaw their installation within the existing footprint. He installed a stainless undermount sink, garbage disposal, faucet, drain plumbing, and airgap. Our experience with Kerry and his crew was positive from start to finish. Everyone was courteous, prompt, and professional. The work was completed in a timely manner and right on the original estimate. Most importantly, the kitchen is absolutely beautiful. Everytime someone comes over they just say "wow, what a great kitchen!" We highly recommend TaylorPro for anyone looking for an excellent, quality kitchen remodel. ~John & Ann S, Clients Kitchen remodeling inspirations come from a variety of sources including cultural backgrounds, idealistic ideas, up and coming trends, and personal needs. This kitchen remodel was inspired by a faulty microwave. So the start of the journey was not as elegant as the final destination, but it makes for a great story. Oh, and the final destination included 3 bath remodels too! LOL Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

Engineered hardwood flooring by Hallmark Floors. To see the rest of the colors in the collection visit HallmarkFloors.com or contact us to order your new floors today! Hallmark Floors Alta Vista engineered hardwood floors. ALTA VISTA COLLECTION URL http://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/alta-vista-hardwood-collection/ Alta Vista Hardwood Collection 7.5″ wide wood planks are beautifully hand sculpted & lightly wire brushed. The contemporary to traditional style comes in a wide range of modern colors that will suit any lifestyle. The Alta Vista hardwood floors collection is finished with Hallmark’s NuOil®, which employs a revolutionary new technology. The finish on our Alta Vista hardwood collection has a unique performance characteristics that make it a great choice for someone who wants the visuals that only oil can provide. Oil finishes have been used for centuries on floors and furniture. NuOil® uses proprietary technology in the application of numerous coats of oil finish in the factory that make it the industry leader in wear-ability and stain resistance in oil finish. Due to the unique hybrid multi-coat technology of NuOil®, it is not necessary to apply an additional coat of oil at time of installation. That can be reserved for a later date when it becomes desirable to refresh and renovate the floor. With NuOil® you get the best of all worlds: durability, amazing visuals, and a natural finish.

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

  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

  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

So, what is her favorite part of the kitchen? Well, everything. “I love the whole thing. I agonized over every detail, like the legs on the table, which we sourced from a bar company. I also love the colors like the darker gray on the island and a lighter gray for the cabinets. And, I really love the pendant lights,” she says. Elisia offers some words of advice for other IKEA customers starting their own remodel project —especially those new to the process. “I suggest you spend time on Pinterest and HOUZZ to get a good idea of kitchen designs. When you find a picture you like, try to figure out what it is exactly that you like. That’s how I realized I wanted that vent hood with the tile/brick facade, for instance,” she says. “Also, I so appreciated having the help of IKD. They were experienced and knowledgeable about the IKEA software and IKEA products. Having a sounding board and someone to translate my vision into what I needed for the cabinetry was so great,” she says. She concludes: “IKD lets you be as involved as you want to be, so I was very involved. I knew to an inch what I wanted to see. I could make sure I was buying all the right pieces, and allowing for the space necessary to make sure the doors and drawers opened enough.” We’re so glad you love your kitchen Elisia!