Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This sleek, minimalist hood features Zephyr Connect, giving you the ability to control it from anywhere, including from your smart speaker — and it discreetly mounts into the ceiling above your cooking surface for power and an unobstructed view. Your kitchen will stay clean and smoke free with the Perimeter Aspiration System and multiple blower options, and the tri-level BriteStrip™ LED lighting ensures a good-looking glow. Available in white and stainless steel. Control your range hood from anywhere using your mobile device with the Zephyr Connect app. Get real-time diagnostics and product information, and connect to smart devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart speakers. Download on mobile from the Apple App Store and Google Play today.

When it comes to finding inspiration for your house or apartment design, there are a variety of routes you can take. For some, it is important to dive into the latest trends in fashion and art, using only the most popular decor pieces and embracing the color palettes seen on runways or in home and garden magazines. But for others, it’s simply about discovering what feels most like “home.” Ashley Steele, the creator of A Styled Affair, was part of the latter group. “Since my husband and I were moving into a space that was previously owned, I needed a way to make it feel like it was truly ours, and unique to us,” she told our team. A Styled Affair sprang from Ashley’s passion for fashion, and need for a creative outlet. But it soon became more than that. She developed a following, and it quickly became a place where she could share her personal style, travel adventures, and lifestyle tips. “While the blogging industry has become overwhelmed with people sharing their favorite home decor or make-up tips, I think what sets A Styled Affair apart is my commitment to stay true to my unique taste. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum – and that carries through in the clothes I wear, the decor I select for our home, and the travels I plan.” Paintzen connected with Ashley as she was settling into her new home in Boston’s Seaport District. Although she and her husband have lived in Boston for almost 8 years, they were used to smaller, more traditional spaces. Their new home is much bigger, and more modern, than any place they lived before. “I wanted to select colors of comfort, simplicity, and sophistication so we could elevate the space and make it feel more like a home.” Ashley also accurately pointed out that new construction can sometimes feel a little cold and sterile, almost industrial. “I wanted our home to feel like a peaceful oasis after coming in from the bustling city.” Ashley chose soft white paint for her walls to bring a sense of comfort and zen. With lots of wall decor, art work and carefully selected furniture, the walls serve as a clean and comfortable palette, and allowed her more freedom when making her other design decisions throughout the space. Ashley kept the overall palette fairly neutral, and incorporated “modern bohemian” inspired decor throughout the home; the final product was clean and simple, and catered to her style. We asked Ashley what she was most excited for now. “I’m most excited to continue to find new decor pieces to compliment the paint colors and decor we’ve already found for the space. We have been really patient with decorating and selected each piece really careful to make sure it is cohesive and flows from room to room. I’m looking forward to enjoying the space with my husband and dog, and entertaining friends and family in the spring and summer!” A few final questions for Ashley on her experience with Paintzen: “I would highly recommend Paintzen to anyone, especially those that live in the city. There are so many different paint companies and contractors to choose from but going through Paintzen simplified the process and made me feel comfortable that we had the right team working on our space. Their platform for booking services and choosing paint colors made the process seamless and was a great way to keep track of what we booked and chose for colors. Most importantly, the customer service team was outstanding whenever we had a question or needed to make an adjustment.” And advice she would give someone repainting their home: “Patience. I would recommend taking your time and doing your research before selecting paint colors. Lighting changes every color so make sure to bring paint swatches and samples into the space and look at it throughout the day to see the different tones that the light will pick up. I would also recommend researching color trends and recommendations for colors in the family you are looking for. We found our living room color through a blog post listing top-used colors by interior designers and it looks amazing.”

Featured in this collection is John's very own award winning backyard. His garden is a certified wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The property provides the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: water, cover, food and places to raise their young. His garden will be featured in the September issue of San Diego Home and Garden magazine. Stay tuned for John's new book, Garden Sanctuary: Designing for Comfort, Wholeness, and Connection, that takes you on the transformative journey of creating your own personal sanctuary and connection to nature in your own back yard.

With timeless appeal and an endless array of options, Schrock's classic cabinets are just the right offering to transform your space into an enduring expression of your personality. CABINETS: Schrock Entra COUNTERTOPS: Laminate Countertop REFRIGERATOR: Haier RANGE: GE Profiles Photos: Jim Schuon

A 1927 colonial home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, received a breathtaking renovation that required extensive work, transforming it from a tucked away, utilitarian space, to an all-purpose gathering room, a role that most kitchens embrace in a home today. The scope of work changed over the course of the project, starting more minimalistically and then quickly becoming the main focus of the house's remodeling, resulting in a staircase being relocated and walls being torn down to create an inviting focal point to the home where family and friends could connect. The focus of the functionality was to allow for multiple prep areas with the inclusion of two islands and sinks, two eating areas (one for impromptu snacking and small meals of younger family members and friends on island no. two and a built-in bench seat for everyday meals in the immediate family). The kitchen was equipped with all Subzero and Wolf appliances, including a 48" range top with a 12" griddle, two double ovens, a 42" built-in side by side refrigerator and freezer, a microwave drawer on island no. one and a beverage center and icemaker in island no. two. The aesthetic feeling embraces the architectural feel of the home while adding a modern sensibility with the revamped layout and graphic elements that tie the color palette of whites, chocolate and charcoal. The cabinets were custom made and outfitted with beaded inset doors with a Shaker panel frame and finished in Benjamin Moore's OC-17 White Dove, a soft white that allowed for the kitchen to feel warm while still maintaining its brightness. Accents of walnut were added to create a sense of warmth, including a custom premium grade walnut countertop on island no. one from Brooks Custom and a TV cabinet with a doggie feeding station beneath. Bringing the cabinet line to the 8'6" ceiling height helps the room feel taller and bold light fixtures at the islands and eating area add detail to an otherwise simpler ceiling detail. The 1 1/4" countertops feature Calacatta Gold Marble with an ogee edge detail. Special touches on the interiors include secret storage panels, an appliance garage, breadbox, pull-out drawers behind the cabinet doors and all soft-close hinges and drawer glides. A kneading area was made as a part of island no. one for the homeowners' love of baking, complete with a stone top allowing for dough to stay cool. Baskets beneath store kitchen essentials that need air circulation. The room adjacent to the kitchen was converted to a hearth room (from a formal dining room) to extend the kitchen's living space and allow for a natural spillover for family and guests to spill into. Jason Miller, Pixelate

Creative work needs a space that helps you relax, think, and stay connected with nature — all at the same time. We incorporated the client's requirements, with a fireplace, an interrupted view of the lake, and a deck to experience the outdoors. Perfect for days when you want to stay cozy inside and enjoy the view outside. We matched the specifics of this project with the existing architecture and rustic elements that our client requested. Next, we'll head out on the deck right outside. Location: Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia (just over 20Kms from Halifax downtown)

The key to success lies in being comfortable and organized, (with a hint of design) so you're ready to shine. Your workspace holds all the potential in the world. As long as you love being in it. Easy to raise when you want to stand and to lower when you want to sit, the Realspace® Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk puts total flexibility at your fingertips. Plus, the built-in power outlets and wireless charger help you stay connected all day long. Pair it with a comfortable chair and you're golden.

Clark Dugger
Elegant dark wood floor bedroom photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Gorgeous views from every seat! This special living room has great outdoor views, but its tempting to stay inside. Comfy seating in neutral tones are accented with pops of color in pillows and seasonal accessories. AV equipment is hidden in the curved cabinetry, and a double sided fireplace connects to the adjacent kitchen. This is a room that has it all.

A Stunning Luxury Kitchen Designed for Seamless Entertaining This showstopping kitchen exudes sophistication with dual oversized islands, perfect for both meal prep and effortless entertaining. High-end finishes, custom cabinetry, and designer lighting elevate the space, while a hidden prep kitchen discreetly connects to the mudroom and butler’s pantry, ensuring clutter stays out of sight. Thoughtfully designed for seamless hosting, this layout balances elegance and function

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Experience life in the heart of Paris Montorgueil Quarter with this rustic 1-bedroom, 50 square meters apartment located on the 2nd floor of a secure residential building without an elevator. There is a space that can be used as a living, dining or home office area. It is furnished with a sofa bed, flat-screen TV, decorative fireplace and a dining table and chairs. We understand the importance of staying connected, which is why there is a high-speed Wi-Fi (1/Gbps) connection. The fully equipped kitchen has a sink, toaster, electric tea kettle, full refrigerator, stove, drip coffee machine, microwave oven, dishwasher and more. The kitchen also comes with all the cookware, dishes and utensils needed to prepare meals at home. There is a clothes washing machine in the property and a drying rack is provided. Cleaning supplies, a vacuum, broom and mop are also provided. The apartment is heated with electric heating. The bedroom is street-facing with a double size bed with a superior quality mattress. All the necessary bedding and linens are provided and professionally laundered. This property can host up to 4 guests. The flat has one bathroom accessible via the hallway with a shower/bathtub, toilet and sink. You will find soap, shampoo, toilet paper and paper towels to start off your stay.

The clients for this project approached SALA ‘to create a house that we will be excited to come home to’. Having lived in their house for over 20 years, they chose to stay connected to their neighborhood, and accomplish their goals by extensively remodeling their existing split-entry home.

A Stunning Luxury Kitchen Designed for Seamless Entertaining This showstopping kitchen exudes sophistication with dual oversized islands, perfect for both meal prep and effortless entertaining. High-end finishes, custom cabinetry, and designer lighting elevate the space, while a hidden prep kitchen discreetly connects to the mudroom and butler’s pantry, ensuring clutter stays out of sight. Thoughtfully designed for seamless hosting, this layout balances elegance and function

Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Kansas City with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The clients for this project approached SALA ‘to create a house that we will be excited to come home to’. Having lived in their house for over 20 years, they chose to stay connected to their neighborhood, and accomplish their goals by extensively remodeling their existing split-entry home.

Floor to ceiling windows give an abundance of light in this loft area that overlooks the living room. A perfect cozy reading spot on the couch away from the bustle of downstairs.

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Salt Lake City with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv