Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

Nick Smith Shaker style kitchen meets contemporary colours to add depth to the oversized kitchen. Industrial lighting and handles help give the kitchen a little bit of cool!

Katina Bentley Photography
Example of a transitional basement design in Boston

A farmhouse style was achieved in this new construction home by keeping the details clean and simple. Shaker style cabinets and square stair parts moldings set the backdrop for incorporating our clients’ love of Asian antiques. We had fun re-purposing the different pieces she already had: two were made into bathroom vanities; and the turquoise console became the star of the house, welcoming visitors as they walk through the front door.

Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Example of a large classic orange floor staircase design in Raleigh

The Arbor® faucet from Moen features a smooth profile and slightly flaired handle to make a stylish statement that speaks to a variety of kitchen decors.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Monica Torres Photography
Large elegant living room photo in Dallas with beige walls

Architecture by Horst Architects www.horst-architects.com John Ellis Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Orange County with a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Nancy Nolan Photography
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Little Rock with a console sink and multicolored walls

Julie Soefer Photography
Inspiration for a 1950s home design remodel in Houston

Morgante Wilson Architects designed this island home on a radius so rooms flow together. Concentric ceiling beams echo the curve in this view of the Dining Room, Kitchen and Family Room. The organic live edge dining table from Phillips Collection speaks to that curvilinear direction.

Hampton House – NY NY-based BAHND design studio selected reSAWN’s HAI shou sugi ban charred cypress for exterior siding for this private residence in The Hamptons. PRODUCT HAI :: shou sugi ban cypress wall cladding DETAILS Exterior Siding: HAI – #2 common grade shou-sugi-ban charred cypress, burnt and sealed on all 4 sides +/-7/8” thick X 5-1/8” wide X 6-16’ random length Tongue & Groove ABOUT THE PROJECT This private residence off a beautiful, secluded road in The Hamptons features a modern façade clad in reSAWN’s HAI shou sugi ban charred wood specified by BAHND design studio. BAHND DESIGN STUDIO is an architecture and design practice founded by Amanda Beethe to develop thoughtful, modern, sustainable architecture and design. They work with absolute dedication to the context of each project, ensuring that every space speaks to its owner in their own language. Their concepts draw inspiration from the place of each project: the history, nature and culture, and incorporate that into its future form.

Alan Blakely
Large minimalist enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater photo in Salt Lake City with brown walls and a projector screen

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Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a large eclectic master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Portland with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a small trendy kids' white tile and subway tile porcelain tile, white floor and single-sink alcove shower design in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, a niche and a freestanding vanity

Inspiration for a victorian dark wood floor kitchen remodel in New Orleans with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, paneled appliances and an island