Painted, Installed lighting, Peg board, hanging poles, shelving and baseboards (although partially shown here)

Cluttered Closet

Cluttered Closet
Closet photo in Chicago

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Contemporary exterior home idea in Dallas

This minimalist kitchen, pops with orange. It functions as a dining area as well as a very functional kitchen. The chairs have high back for optimal comfort, and the quartz dining table doubles as extra kitchen counter space. The colourful coffee station serves as a backdrop to the dining area, adding interest.

Small coastal condo gets a new life! This project started as a consultation that really focused on whether or not it was feasible to maximize functionality out of a tight kitchen area in a condo on the beach. The cabinetry was sort of dated but not terrible terrible. Refresh or total gut of this small kitchen The client wanted to give it a refresh worked but we had worked with her before…so she could not quite decide how far to go. Maybe just repaint the existing cabinets? She needed some furniture. She wanted a little more ambiance and pizazz. And she wanted the Cheryl magic. Ok finally, decision made. Kitchen had to go@! Decision made- a new kitchen to go with the new living! After further review on site with her during the consult meeting, and pitching a few inquiries around for bids on cabinetry and countertops – she ultimately decided to gut and re-do the whole layout. And man-oh-man what a difference some well executed design makes!! This layout was unique and truly optimized every inch we could muster from the kitchen. (Working around that spiral staircase and navigating the soffit that wrapped the entire kitchen and adjacent living room!!) Colors needed to be bold while still feeling fresh so we paired a deep aubergine and a sort of “matte” Caribbean blue which laid the groundwork for a stunning living area palette. Tough layout to enlarge much There were a lot of other “givens” in this space that made the execution of the design a highly strategized process. We knew we had to work around the large wall space that starts the kitchen because it had the laundry room hiding on the other side… the awkward nook with windows on all sides that was a small breakfast area before the remodel… oh, and did we mention that dang spiral staircase?! Multiple site visits to plot the cabinetry and countertop curve paid off all said and done, though! Living space that work with the open floor plan kitchen Designing the furnishings then became the fun part! With a smaller living space flanked by windows and sliders – but one that needed to balance the kitchen in substance – we had to break a few preferred design rules to make up the amount of seating desired. The deep grape-y purple barrel swivels were the perfect “transition” piece by the slider offering access to the views while being versatile enough to still afford safe use of the slider and passage outside. Adding some graphic punch with the droplet shaped, stone and brass cocktail table and bold multicolored rug we love the balance of these weightier aesthetic choices with the adjacent kitchen. Signature pieces make all the difference Carrying through little pops of that blue green between the counter stools (I die! Seriously! SO GORGEOUS) and the sofa (with those brass nails!) — these colors really created a sturdy but eclectic tonal feel that the client was just over the moon for. The art and grasscloth on the walls throughout developed the architecture of the space in an overall structure that was really lacking – it feels warm, inviting, comfortable – BEAUTIFUL – but not too priss and pomp. Now if we could just keep the pup off the sofa!

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

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Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in New York

This multipurpose design helps to optimize the kids' space while keeping the room fun and functional. • Lago® Bellissima White finish blends in with the room's fresh, youthful palette. • High-gloss acrylic Parapan Mint and Stone Grey slab drawer and door fronts create a timeless, modern look. • Floating cabinets offer additional storage with a playful aesthetic. • Push-to-open hardware offer ease of use. • Cabinets and drawers provide concealed storage. • Integrated bench and workstation provide seating and a designated project space.

This existing client reached out to MMI Design for help shortly after the flood waters of Harvey subsided. Her home was ravaged by 5 feet of water throughout the first floor. What had been this client's long-term dream renovation became a reality, turning the nightmare of Harvey's wrath into one of the loveliest homes designed to date by MMI. We led the team to transform this home into a showplace. Our work included a complete redesign of her kitchen and family room, master bathroom, two powders, butler's pantry, and a large living room. MMI designed all millwork and cabinetry, adjusted the floor plans in various rooms, and assisted the client with all material specifications and furnishings selections. Returning these clients to their beautiful '"new" home is one of MMI's proudest moments!

An entry area to the home, this family laundry room became a catch-all for coats, bags and shoes. It also served as the laundry hub with a collection of portable drying racks, storage shelves and furniture that did not optimize the available space and layout. The new design made the most of the unique space and delivered an organized and attractive mud and laundry room with bench seating, hooks for hanging jackets and laundry needs, integrated wall drying racks, and lots of convenient storage.

Designer: MODtage Design / Photographer: Paul Dyer
Example of a large transitional enclosed light wood floor family room design in San Francisco with white walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Complete bathroom remodel. this project was taken down to the studs. Custom design vanity with spa tower which incorporates a styling tools drawer, shallow makeup drawers and plenty of functional storage. To reduce waster space under the sink we made the cabinet below more shallow in order to have a drawer below which will optimize usable storage space.

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”

Inspiration for a coastal laundry room remodel in San Diego

This stunning, newly renovated kitchen exudes modern luxury and sophistication. Designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, it features custom two-tone cabinetry in soft gray and deep navy, creating a striking contrast that enhances the space's elegance. The upper cabinets have frosted glass panels with warm interior lighting, adding a subtle glow and a high-end touch. The expansive white quartz countertops with delicate veining provide a luxurious and durable workspace, while the large island serves as a statement centerpiece, complete with a deep black undermount sink and a bold matte black faucet. Three chic black pendant lights hang gracefully above the island, complementing the overall modern design and providing warm ambient lighting. A full-height, textured white subway tile backsplash adds depth and refinement, seamlessly blending with the custom cabinetry and sleek stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade range hood and a spacious double-door refrigerator. The open-concept design flows effortlessly into the adjacent space, with a large glass-paneled door leading to the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the room. Wide-plank light oak flooring ties the space together, bringing warmth and harmony to the contemporary aesthetic. This luxurious kitchen is a perfect blend of style and functionality, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

This stunning, newly renovated kitchen exudes modern luxury and sophistication. Designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, it features custom two-tone cabinetry in soft gray and deep navy, creating a striking contrast that enhances the space's elegance. The upper cabinets have frosted glass panels with warm interior lighting, adding a subtle glow and a high-end touch. The expansive white quartz countertops with delicate veining provide a luxurious and durable workspace, while the large island serves as a statement centerpiece, complete with a deep black undermount sink and a bold matte black faucet. Three chic black pendant lights hang gracefully above the island, complementing the overall modern design and providing warm ambient lighting. A full-height, textured white subway tile backsplash adds depth and refinement, seamlessly blending with the custom cabinetry and sleek stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade range hood and a spacious double-door refrigerator. The open-concept design flows effortlessly into the adjacent space, with a large glass-paneled door leading to the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the room. Wide-plank light oak flooring ties the space together, bringing warmth and harmony to the contemporary aesthetic. This luxurious kitchen is a perfect blend of style and functionality, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

This stunning, newly renovated kitchen exudes modern luxury and sophistication. Designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, it features custom two-tone cabinetry in soft gray and deep navy, creating a striking contrast that enhances the space's elegance. The upper cabinets have frosted glass panels with warm interior lighting, adding a subtle glow and a high-end touch. The expansive white quartz countertops with delicate veining provide a luxurious and durable workspace, while the large island serves as a statement centerpiece, complete with a deep black undermount sink and a bold matte black faucet. Three chic black pendant lights hang gracefully above the island, complementing the overall modern design and providing warm ambient lighting. A full-height, textured white subway tile backsplash adds depth and refinement, seamlessly blending with the custom cabinetry and sleek stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade range hood and a spacious double-door refrigerator. The open-concept design flows effortlessly into the adjacent space, with a large glass-paneled door leading to the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the room. Wide-plank light oak flooring ties the space together, bringing warmth and harmony to the contemporary aesthetic. This luxurious kitchen is a perfect blend of style and functionality, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

This stunning, newly renovated kitchen exudes modern luxury and sophistication. Designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, it features custom two-tone cabinetry in soft gray and deep navy, creating a striking contrast that enhances the space's elegance. The upper cabinets have frosted glass panels with warm interior lighting, adding a subtle glow and a high-end touch. The expansive white quartz countertops with delicate veining provide a luxurious and durable workspace, while the large island serves as a statement centerpiece, complete with a deep black undermount sink and a bold matte black faucet. Three chic black pendant lights hang gracefully above the island, complementing the overall modern design and providing warm ambient lighting. A full-height, textured white subway tile backsplash adds depth and refinement, seamlessly blending with the custom cabinetry and sleek stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade range hood and a spacious double-door refrigerator. The open-concept design flows effortlessly into the adjacent space, with a large glass-paneled door leading to the outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the room. Wide-plank light oak flooring ties the space together, bringing warmth and harmony to the contemporary aesthetic. This luxurious kitchen is a perfect blend of style and functionality, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for cooking, dining, and entertaining.