The removal of a shared wall between the kitchen and living room of this split level home led to an amazing transformation. The kitchen boasts Wynnbrooke Cabinetry in a painted white finish with Amerock satin nickel hardware. The stainless steel farm sink blends beautifully with the appliances. Cambria countertops in Torquay finish off the L-shaped cabinetry as well as the island which features deep drawers and pull out trash bins. The light finishes lend well to the new open floor plan. The master bath was completely remodeled with all new cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and Constellation Black shower pan and panels with a subway tile look from The Onyx Collection. A full frameless glass door and enclosure makes the bathroom feel much larger. In the basement bath, a new Onyx lavatory and a new tub/shower combination updated the room. A home salon was added to the lower level. New paint, doors and trim finished out this remodel. A few years before the interior remodel, Conant Construction was tasked with updating the exterior facade, adding a garage and making some upgrades to the deck.

The removal of a shared wall between the kitchen and living room of this split level home led to an amazing transformation. The kitchen boasts Wynnbrooke Cabinetry in a painted white finish with Amerock satin nickel hardware. The stainless steel farm sink blends beautifully with the appliances. Cambria countertops in Torquay finish off the L-shaped cabinetry as well as the island which features deep drawers and pull out trash bins. The light finishes lend well to the new open floor plan. The master bath was completely remodeled with all new cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and Constellation Black shower pan and panels with a subway tile look from The Onyx Collection. A full frameless glass door and enclosure makes the bathroom feel much larger. In the basement bath, a new Onyx lavatory and a new tub/shower combination updated the room. A home salon was added to the lower level. New paint, doors and trim finished out this remodel. A few years before the interior remodel, Conant Construction was tasked with updating the exterior facade, adding a garage and making some upgrades to the deck.

When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

The removal of a shared wall between the kitchen and living room of this split level home led to an amazing transformation. The kitchen boasts Wynnbrooke Cabinetry in a painted white finish with Amerock satin nickel hardware. The stainless steel farm sink blends beautifully with the appliances. Cambria countertops in Torquay finish off the L-shaped cabinetry as well as the island which features deep drawers and pull out trash bins. The light finishes lend well to the new open floor plan. The master bath was completely remodeled with all new cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and Constellation Black shower pan and panels with a subway tile look from The Onyx Collection. A full frameless glass door and enclosure makes the bathroom feel much larger. In the basement bath, a new Onyx lavatory and a new tub/shower combination updated the room. A home salon was added to the lower level. New paint, doors and trim finished out this remodel. A few years before the interior remodel, Conant Construction was tasked with updating the exterior facade, adding a garage and making some upgrades to the deck.

When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

The removal of a shared wall between the kitchen and living room of this split level home led to an amazing transformation. The kitchen boasts Wynnbrooke Cabinetry in a painted white finish with Amerock satin nickel hardware. The stainless steel farm sink blends beautifully with the appliances. Cambria countertops in Torquay finish off the L-shaped cabinetry as well as the island which features deep drawers and pull out trash bins. The light finishes lend well to the new open floor plan. The master bath was completely remodeled with all new cabinetry, countertops, fixtures and Constellation Black shower pan and panels with a subway tile look from The Onyx Collection. A full frameless glass door and enclosure makes the bathroom feel much larger. In the basement bath, a new Onyx lavatory and a new tub/shower combination updated the room. A home salon was added to the lower level. New paint, doors and trim finished out this remodel. A few years before the interior remodel, Conant Construction was tasked with updating the exterior facade, adding a garage and making some upgrades to the deck.

Arlington Heights, IL Exterior Remodel of Integrity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows & James Hardie Siding by Siding & Windows Group. We installed Wood-Ultrex Integrity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows throughout the house, James HardiePlank Select Cedarmill Lap Siding in alternating sizes in ColorPlus Technology Color Timber Bark and HardieTrim Smooth Boards in ColorPlus Technology Color Khaki Brown.

This midcentury split level needed an entire gut renovation to bring it into the current century. Keeping the design simple and modern, we updated every inch of this house, inside and out, holding true to era appropriate touches.

Overall view of the kitchen - The first island highlights the eating area with mid-tone cabinetry, exotic granite, and a decorative chandelier. The second island and surrounding cabinetry is white with cream countertops. Photo: Bob Narod

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

MIKE KASKEL
Kitchen - transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash and an island

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

DuraSupreme Cabinetry This timeless and classic kitchen informed the main living and lower level renovation with white and grey as the palette, and sophisticated details at every turn. Stylized shaker cabinetry took the cabinets to a new level with chrome hardware, soft close doors, and modern appliances that make it a dream kitchen for any cook. By knocking down the existing dining room wall, the kitchen expanded graciously and now includes a large seated island treated with furniture-like details in a soft dark grey. The white and grey tones play beautifully off the warm hand scraped wood floor that runs throughout the main level, providing a warmth underfoot. Openings were widened to allow for a more open floor plan and an extra wide barn door adds style to the front entrance. Additional dining was added to the former dining room as a breakfast nook complete with storage bench seating. A wine bar is tucked into a corner next to the living area allowing for easy access when entertaining. dRemodeling also built in a custom bookshelf/entertainment area as well as a new mantle and tile surround. The upstairs closet was removed to allow for a larger foyer. The lower level features a newly organized laundry room that is wrapped in traditional wainscoting along one wall and the ceiling. New doors, windows, register cover, and light switch covers were installed to give the space a total and complete makeover, down to the smallest detail. www.dremodeling.com

The distressed green island sits atop brown stained hardwood floors and creates a focal point at the center of this traditional kitchen. Topped with ubatuba granite, the island is home to three metal barstools painted ivory with sage green chenille seats. Visual Comfort globe pendants, in a mix of metals, marry the island’s antique brass bin pulls to the pewter hardware of the perimeter cabinetry. Breaking up the cream perimeter cabinets are large windows dressed with woven wood blinds. A window bench covered in a watery blue and green leaf pattern coordinates with the island and with the Walker Zanger glass tile backsplash. The backsplash and honed black granite countertop, wraps the kitchen in luxurious texture. The spacious room is equipped with stainless steel appliances from Thermador and Viking.

This kitchen design in a whole house remodel in Palo Alto started with the sunburst kitchen clock.
Example of a mid-sized 1960s l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Large transitional galley dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Detail of the kitchen showing the kitchen island pendant light and grey washed wooden counter stools. Photo: Suzanna Scott Photography
Example of a large transitional medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

This 1960s split-level has a new spacious Kitchen boasting a generous curved stone-clad island and plenty of custom cabinetry. The Kitchen opens to a large eat-in Dining Room, with a walk-around stone double-sided fireplace between Dining and the new Family room. The stone accent at the island, gorgeous stained wood cabinetry, and wood trim highlight the rustic charm of this home. Photography by Kmiecik Imagery.