Daughters go to college—that's typical. But when they come home for the summer to find their parents now living in the neighbor's house? Not so typical. That's exactly what happened to Sue and John McKinley's twin daughters when their parents downsized to a house just two doors down. "We were already familiar with the home and liked its open floor plan and high ceilings," says Sue. "We just customized the interior to suit our tastes." In their kitchen, the couple worked with designer Suzanne Kasler to combine practicality with style. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Birmingham

Photo by Jessie Preza
Eat-in kitchen - farmhouse galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Jacksonville with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets and marble countertops

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Birmingham with a drop-in sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Furthering her plan to enhance the room's architecture, Suzanne turned one corner of the kitchen into a cheery dining area with an L-shaped built-in bench that mimics the cabinetry. To keep the dining nook cozy (not restaurant-like) she surrounded the metal bistro table with slipcovered armchairs and hung a sparkly chandelier above. Using the same patterned fabric on the window valances and pillows throughout (Montmartre in Clay/Blue from her own collection for Lee Jofa; leejofa.com), Suzanne introduced color and life to the kitchen without taking away from the all-white effect. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Julie Soefer
Example of a transitional dark wood floor kitchen design in Houston with white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets and white backsplash

Example of a classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Birmingham with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen remodel in Birmingham with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

To create an elegant, light-filled look, Suzanne painted the walls and cabinetry the same creamy white and then continued the less-is-more palette with white marble countertops, a white tile backsplash, and linen barstools. Suzanne worked with Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria to create new cabinetry while retaining the kitchen's original layout. "We strengthened the room's architectural envelope," she says. "Once that's in place, a room requires less decorating." Together, they designed Shaker-style cabinets topped with weighty molding and a handsome island with dining table-like legs. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Emily Followill
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and an island

Suzanne mixed open shelves (for cookbooks and dishes) with closed cabinets in the walk-in pantry. A wine fridge and countertops offer extra storage and prep space. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Designed more than 115 years ago, this classic Shaws Original apron-front sink (rohlhome.com) is simple without being boring, and it's extra deep for washing pots and pans. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Beach style u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Beach style galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Birmingham with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, colored appliances, an island, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

TK Images
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Austin

In the kitchen, the bottom shelf of the island organizes the dog bowls. Designers add a pet barrier made of tempered glass to the hall door. It restricts their movement but allows them to look into other areas of the house. A Bonisolli Photography

The overscale 6- by 9-inch tiles by Waterworks have a textured glaze for an understated-chic look. "They remind me of something in an old French bakery," says Suzanne. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living

Duralife Siesta Decking, Golden Teak
Example of a large transitional backyard outdoor kitchen deck design with no cover

Amazing front porch of a modern farmhouse built by Steve Powell Homes (www.stevepowellhomes.com). Photo Credit: David Cannon Photography (www.davidcannonphotography.com)