Farmhouse multicolored two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Seattle with a shingle roof

Joshua Caldwell
Family room - large traditional carpeted family room idea in Salt Lake City with a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace, white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Starr Homes, LLC
Mountain style dark wood floor kitchen photo in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

This client has a son with Cerebral Palsy. Our goal was to create a design that was beautiful and function for his daily activities. The cabinets don't go all the way to the ground and there is a drain in the center of the room, creating a wet room for the entire space. The metal on the ceiling is a chair lift so he can be moved around the house in a harness. There is no shower dam so his wheel chair can also be used to bring him from the door into the shower. The sink has no cabinetry under it so that a wheelchair can roll up and he can easily wash his hands.

It was also important for the white IKEA kitchen to have plenty of storage. “This is a dining room/kitchen combination room, so we wanted to make sure there was ample room for both dining and cooking activities,” he says. Therefore, featured throughout the kitchen in both the upper and base cabinetry is IKEA VEDDINGE cabinetry in white along with IKEA MAXIMERA drawers and IKEA UTRUSTA door fronts. Combined with the stainless steel appliances, this creates a light yet warm feel; especially when set against the IKEA KASKER countertops in custom light gray with sleek concrete effect. From a functional standpoint, there is enormous storage potential throughout. There is storage above the refrigerator and along the upper perimeter to the electric range and accompanying range hood, and then on the opposite side as well. There is even a small, three-drawer base cabinet on the opposite side of the stainless steel refrigerator. One standout element of the space is a clever IKEA “hack” using IKEA cabinetry retrofitted to conceal a washer-dryer combo set. Justin notes this was originally the biggest obstacle of the kitchen design. He explains: “We thought a washer/dryer was essential to the space, but we were really struggling with where exactly to put it and how to conceal it so that you weren’t staring at your laundry while eating breakfast.” In addition, the type of cabinet needed was not a cabinet that IKEA standardly offers, so IKD came up with an IKEA hack that was both functional and stylish. Specifically, the 80”(H) IKEA VEDDINGE cabinetry allows the washer-dryer to seamlessly blend into the layout; which maximizes the kitchen space. Justin concludes: “We chose IKEA because IKEA’s price point is unbeatable for the quality. We liked that IKEA offered versatility and ease and we really liked that there is a whole industry of professionals that only deal with IKEA products. So they know precisely how to design for IKEA cabinets and build IKEA cabinets, etc.” Having experienced the IKEA design and installation process, Justin shares some advice with other IKEA customers. “I would recommend that folks not try to do everything themselves, such as design, demo, shop and build. Designing a kitchen is a lot of work. If you can afford it: seek assistance,” he says. “We would also recommend using experienced installers who know IKEA cabinets in and out and can help with the details of your kitchen that make it look polished and complete. They also save time.” To that end, since it was a rental their timeline for the IKEA kitchen to be completed was very tight. “Our IKEA kitchen wasn’t a project we wanted stretched over six months. We wanted the whole project finished in several weeks [and we accomplished it],” he concludes.

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

The shower is universally designed and has no curb or step at its entry. The drawer pulls are also designed for easy use. A Bonisolli Photography
Mid-sized transitional white tile walk-in shower photo in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and marble countertops

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Example of a large french country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, limestone countertops, an island, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and recessed-panel cabinets

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Nashville with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Example of a tuscan backyard concrete patio design in San Diego with a fireplace and no cover

Gridley+Graves Photographers
Mid-sized country single-wall brick floor and red floor eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, an island, beige cabinets, concrete countertops, paneled appliances and gray countertops

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A beautiful, clean, cool, classic, white Master Bath. Interior Design by Ashley Whittaker.
Small elegant master white tile mosaic tile floor bathroom photo in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub, white walls, raised-panel cabinets and white countertops

Vance Fox
Large mountain style brown two-story wood exterior home photo in Sacramento with a metal roof

Jeffrey Freeman Photography
Trendy light wood floor kitchen photo in Portland with light wood cabinets, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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!

This late 70's ranch style home was recently renovated with a clean, modern twist on the ranch style architecture of the existing residence. AquaTerra was hired to create the entire outdoor environment including the new pool and spa. Similar to the renovated home, this aquatic environment was designed to take a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long, sweeping curved water feature that can be seen from all of the outdoor gathering spaces as well as many rooms inside the residence. This design draws people outside and allows them to explore all of the features of the pool and outdoor spaces. Features of this resort like outdoor environment include: -Play pool with two lounge areas with LED lit bubblers -Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen Luminous series pool finish -Lightstreams glass tile -spa with six custom copper Bobe water spillway scuppers -water feature wall with three custom copper Bobe water scuppers -Fully automated with Pentair Equipment -LED lighting throughout the pool and spa -Gathering space with automated fire pit -Lounge deck area -Synthetic turf between step pads and deck -Gourmet outdoor kitchen to meet all the entertaining needs. This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the renovated home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

The mixture of grey green cabinets with the distressed wood floors and ceilings, gives this farmhouse kitchen a feeling of warmth. Cabinets: Brookhaven and the color is Green Stone Benjamin Moore paint color: There's not an exact match for Green Stone, but Gettysburg Grey, HC 107 is close. Sink: Krauss, model KHF200-30, stainless steel Faucet: Kraus, modelKPF-1602 Hardware: Restoration hardware, Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Windows: Bloomberg is the manufacturer the hardware is from Restoration hardware--Dakota cup and Dakota round knob. The finish was either the chestnut or iron. Floors: European Oak that is wired brushed. The company is Provenza, Pompeii collection and the color is Amiata. Distressed wood: The wood is cedar that's been treated to look distressed! My client is brilliant , so he did some googling (is that a word?) and came across several sites that had a recipe to do just that. He put a steel wool pad into a jar of vinegar and let it sit for a bit. In another jar, he mixed black tea with water. Brush the tea on first and let it dry. Then brush on the steel wool/vinegar (don't forget to strain the wool). Voila, the wood turns dark. Andrew Mckinney Photography