Search results for "Specific struggles" in Home Design Ideas

When this family wanted to renovate their 1-bedroom apartment, they called on Houseplay to help. Together, we created a cozy, modern layout that both facilitates relationships and increases the value of their home.
Specifically, the new layout features a larger bathroom, a new standing shower, an open plan kitchen with an island, and a laundry closet too. Our team installed new bamboo flooring, new doors and mouldings, and new recessed and feature lighting throughout the space; we also painted the entire apartment.
It’s amazing what a difference the layout of a space can make. If you’re struggling with a sub-par layout in your home or apartment, don’t wait; contact Houseplay for a consultation today!
Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

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Renovating historic homes in Brooklyn often presents a classic design dilemma: how do you introduce sleek, contemporary aesthetics without fighting the home’s unique architectural character?
In our recent Bay Ridge project, we designed and built a full suite of custom kitchen cabinetry engineered specifically to maximize a compact footprint while delivering an ultra-clean, modern feel.
Key Design & Structural Solutions:
Navigating Pre-War Proportions: Standard, off-the-shelf cabinets struggle with Brooklyn's uneven floors and non-square walls. By measuring and fabricating every unit to the millimeter, we eliminated awkward gaps and filler strips, achieving a seamless floor-to-ceiling fit.
Minimalist Aesthetics: We crafted flat-panel slab doors finished in a light-reflecting neutral tone. The clean lines are paired with integrated under-cabinet LED task lighting and concealed hardware for a streamlined profile.
Smart Storage Engineering: Deep pull-out pantries, customized drawer inserts, and heavy-duty soft-close glides ensure that every square inch of vertical and horizontal space serves a functional purpose.
When working with clients in the Tri-State area, our goal is always to balance high-end visual scale with long-lasting ergonomics.
Find the right local pro for your project

Storing pots and pans is a typical struggle for most people. Stacking them provides the frustration of finding a place to store the lids. By adding pull-out drawers inside this 30” cabinet adjacent to the range, the Client has access to all of their cooking tools in reaching distance without having to rearrange the cabinet every time. And the lids? They fit right on top of their matching pot.
Rebecca Quandt

Eat-in kitchen - coastal galley dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

A Tried and true Coastal Home Remodel
What do you get when a client asks – do we really need this staircase??BRILLIANT!
The end result so specifically focused on a better use of space. We so wish more new construction plans were focused on this! (Call us if you’re struggling with this, too!)
From poorly put together Tommy Bahama, to fresh with a nod to mod. This new kitchen space is anchored by a large working island that is perfect for entertaining. With dedicated storage around back, the island acts a bit as it’s own pantry too. The raised bar top provided a fun feature of a more coastal feeling wood-finish that really made the kitchen in our opinion. We also love the gained breakfast nook (that’s what losing a set of stairs will get you!). As well as, the soft touch that a simple set of sheers and beautiful chandy offer to really tone this space down.
Living Room Refresh
Not far beyond, the living room was a real refresh as well. Updating old tan chenille sofas with an amazing white crypton sectional. Creating space for big groups or the perfect sleepover spot when you have a few extra kids in the house. Swivels by the french doors offer extra seating for the TV area. The beloved soft plum cocktail ottoman is perfect for those who like to put their feet up! Also great for a tray to have snacks at hand!
Throughout the interior spaces – this project was about lightening and brightening.
Thus, making each dedicated area feel more congruous and fresh. There is a definite beach-y feel, accented perfectly by that fantastic view framed by those pretty sheers, but the overall mood feels transitional and fresh and forward thinking. A timeless space for them to enjoy in any season here on the Gulf!

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.”

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

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.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

A Thoughtful Condo Makeover for a Young Chef in the Making
This project began with a middle-aged couple looking to refresh their one-bedroom condo for their young adult son. The unit had been a rental for years and wasn’t well-suited to his needs. The kitchen had an awkward, oversized island, the closets lacked functionality, and the overall look was outdated—cream walls, mismatched narrow flooring, and beige tiles throughout. The bathroom also needed serious attention, with grimy, moldy finishes.
After a tough renovation experience years ago in their other home, the family knew they needed someone they could trust. Having worked with Andrei before, they turned to Sosna with full confidence.
While the general layout remained similar, some key changes made a big impact. The oversized island was replaced with a peninsula, which opened up the space and provided extra storage and a longer counter surface. New custom closet organizers were designed specifically around the son's lifestyle, and the bedroom closet got a set of new doors. We also replaced all of the flooring, using medium-gray porcelain tiles in the foyer and kitchen, and light wood-look vinyl in the living areas and bedroom. To ensure a smooth transition between materials, we used self-leveling compound to keep everything even.
Despite working around holiday delivery schedules and condo board renovation policies, the project stayed on track and was completed on time.
The result is a fresh, Japandi-inspired home that’s both stylish and functional. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, leathered quartz countertops, a large-format tile backsplash, and matte black accents that bring it all together. A single-bowl sink now easily accommodates a Dutch oven, and the thoughtful closet design gives the son plenty of organized storage space. Fresh paint and updated finishes create a calming, cohesive atmosphere.
One memorable part of the process was helping the family work through design decisions together. As close as they are, they had different tastes and sometimes struggled to align. With clear guidance, we helped them move forward with confidence and find solutions they all loved.
Now, their son has a space that reflects his personality and passions—and the family has peace of mind knowing it was done right.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”
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