Search results for "Strategic thinking" in Home Design Ideas

A fun, hip kitchen with a mid-century modern vibe. The homeowners wanted a kitchen to make them happy. We think you can't help but smile!
NEXT Project Studio
Jerry Voloski

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids!
For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids!
For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

Once cramped and constricted with a wall between the living area and kitchen, this space required some strategic thinking. By removing the wall, the two rooms now had to integrate together seamlessly. This was achieved by using neutral colors to flow with the adjacent areas, integrating all of the appliances with wood panels and, hiding the cooktop and downdraft behind the second level of the island to create a furniture feel. In addition, open display areas at different levels give the kitchen a more furniture-like feel.
The microwave drawer and oven were placed in the island to be hidden from the living area. The Blanco Silgranit sink color was selected to blend in with the countertop and be seamless in that area. Wide wall cabinets, accessories in every cabinet, drawer dividers, a 30” deep 3-drawer cabinet for pots and pans, and additional storage in the Dry Bar make up for the lost storage in the existing kitchen.

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter.
This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024.
LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio
THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm)
COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula
EDGE: Polished
SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps
Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography
/ ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids!
For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

Eichler X-100 Kitchen: A Futuristic Vision of Function and Design
The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to cook—it is a designed system, a forward-thinking experiment in how everyday living could be streamlined, modernized, and elevated through architecture. Envisioned by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the space reflects a bold reimagining of the American kitchen in the mid-20th century.
A Central Hub of the Home
Positioned within the home’s central utility core, the kitchen is strategically located to connect all major living zones. Rather than being tucked away, it becomes a functional anchor, allowing for seamless interaction between cooking, dining, and gathering spaces.
This layout reinforces Eichler’s philosophy:
the kitchen is not separate—it’s part of everyday life.
Innovation Built In
What sets the X-100 kitchen apart is its integration of experimental, built-in features that were far ahead of their time.
Highlights include:
A sliding dining table with integrated electric burners, blending cooking and dining into one continuous experience
Built-in appliances and systems, designed to reduce clutter and maximize efficiency
Thoughtful ergonomic planning that simplifies daily routines
These elements reflect a larger idea:
that the home should work for you—not the other way around.
Material as Modern Expression
The kitchen showcases extensive use of laminate surfaces (Formica)—a material that, in the 1950s, symbolized innovation, durability, and modern living. Clean, smooth, and easy to maintain, these surfaces reinforce the home’s futuristic identity.
Paired with steel structure and clean lines, the material palette creates a space that feels both industrial and approachable.
Open, Light-Filled Design
True to the X-100’s overall concept, the kitchen is fully integrated into the open-plan layout. Sightlines extend outward to living areas, glass walls, and even interior gardens, ensuring the space never feels enclosed.
Natural light filters in from multiple directions, enhanced by skylights and reflective surfaces, giving the kitchen a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.
A Prototype for Modern Living
In many ways, the X-100 kitchen anticipated how we live today:
Open-concept layouts
Multi-functional islands and dining spaces
Integrated appliances
Clean, minimal design
What feels standard now was radical in 1956.
Where Design Meets Daily Life
The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is a perfect example of how architecture can elevate the everyday. It transforms routine into experience—where cooking, gathering, and living all happen within a single, beautifully orchestrated space.
It’s not just a kitchen.
It’s a glimpse into the future—designed decades ahead of its time.

Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software is very user-friendly, which means you’ll be creating the moment you load the software onto your computer. You merely tell the software what kind of dimensions you’re working with and then you can play around with the options available by the software program. For instance, with the click of a mouse, you can add a bush here, a rose garden there, or you can even put in a little man-made pond, the choices are all up to you. Playing with the different options available is all part of the fun. Of course, the best part is when your vision is actually realized and when you finally get the yard you’ve always wanted.
In choosing a home and garden decor, first, you have to know what you want and what style you are looking for. One way of determining which décor to buy is by setting a theme for your garden. Thin about what you would like your garden to look like — what accessories you would like to see, and what plants and trees you’d like to add. Here are some of the theme ideas that you can incorporate with your home and garden decor: butterfly, temple, sundial, Japanese, water, winter, and jungle.
Home furnishing:
As any professional interior decorator will tell you, each room within the house has a certain function and a certain character. It is necessary to recognize this innate character before one can go about furnishing the room appropriately. Indoor decor leans heavily on the right use of color, lighting, and furnishing. For instance, the role of curtains, decorative rugs, objects of art and other decorative materials must be complimentary. Every object within the room must contribute seamlessly to the total effect.
Garden furnishing:
The garden is typically the extension of the home. It is where we seek to establish an instant connect with nature. For many, it is the place dedicated to the pleasure of cultivation and abundant growth. Even homes in urban areas where garden space is limited make the effort to transform the garden into a haven of sorts.
The use of unusual, whimsical and colorful furniture and objects of art can transform the garden into something that is out of a fairytale book. For example, whimsically designed benches and tables are available in the most stunning colors. These pieces of furniture greatly add to the appeal of the garden. In addition to this, pieces of art may be strategically scattered around the garden to make it colorful and beautiful. By adding these pieces of art to your garden space, it is possible to achieve the perfect balance between beauty and utility that characterizes great outdoor spaces.
When you want to landscape your yard, you typically hire someone to come out and give you a quote. However, what if you could do it all yourself with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software? You’re probably thinking that you don’t have the artistic ability, or the know how to landscape your yard yourself. However, with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, you don’t need to be artistically inclined, nor do you need any knowledge of how to landscape a house or yard. All you need is a computer, a mouse, and a little time and a lot of imagination. With Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, the sky’s the limit as far as what you can create, not to mention it’s a lot of fun to create the yard you want.

This four-level staircase commands attention from the moment you enter. Serving as the architectural centerpiece of the home, its open design works in harmony with strategic window placement to allow natural light to cascade down through all four levels of living space.
The design makes bold use of contrast. The dark risers against light treads create visual drama, while wrought iron round balusters paired with painted wooden rails and newels ground the staircase in timeless elegance. The result is a semi-floating effect that feels both substantial and airy, anchoring the entrance without overwhelming it.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This incredible kitchen on Saint Andrews Court in Frisco, TX is beautiful and functional.
Mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Dallas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Dallas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter.
This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024.
LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio
THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm)
COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula
EDGE: Polished
SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps
Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography
/ ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

As the designer behind this master bathroom transformation, my mission was clear: to breathe new life into an outdated and dimly lit space while catering to my client's distinct desires. The project was marked by the client's unwavering commitment to enhancing functionality privacy and preserving the owner’s cherished MTI tub, all while adhering to the unalterable presence of existing windows.
FEATURES:
1. A glass pass-through between rooms allows natural light to flow freely, promoting a sense of openness.
2. The ceiling-mounted sliding glass door hardware elevates the shower experience with taller glass panels and effortless operation.
3. Accessibility and safety were paramount, resulting in a zero-entry shower, strategically placed grab bars, and an 'assist' TP holder.
4. To cater to varying preferences, a main showerhead and hand shower were accessible for standing and bench use.
5. A shared glass door between rooms eliminated the inconvenience of cumbersome door swings.
6. Privacy was enhanced through gradient glass etching, ensuring comfort and tranquility.
7. The digital shower system allowed for personalized controls, accommodating the unique preferences of the couple.
Creating a private bath around the existing MTI tub initially seemed insurmountable. However, innovative thinking led to a transformative solution. The drop-in tub was ingeniously converted into a free-standing tub with a narrow quartz deck adorned with a captivating mother-of-pearl mosaic tile surround. A floating walnut shelf at the tub's end introduced practicality and organic beauty.
Black plumbing fixtures were chosen to accentuate the mesmerizing depth of the mother-of-pearl mosaic tile. Horizontal book-matched walnut vanities introduced warmth and character, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor view. The white quartz countertop is a refreshing contrast to the intricate finishes, lending a touch of sophistication. The ceiling light over the tub, akin to the icing on a cake, added a final note of elegance.
To meet the client's need for increased storage, the vanities have pullouts & roll-outs. These thoughtful additions ensured effortless access to personal care products. LED-lit medicine cabinets not only provided excellent lighting but also served as storage for everyday essentials. Vanity toe kick lighting is thoughtfully designed with a motion sensor at the entry, providing a guiding path to the water closet. Particularly valued during nighttime, this feature prevents unnecessary lights from illuminating, preserving the tranquility of those in bed.

As the designer behind this master bathroom transformation, my mission was clear: to breathe new life into an outdated and dimly lit space while catering to my client's distinct desires. The project was marked by the client's unwavering commitment to enhancing functionality privacy and preserving the owner’s cherished MTI tub, all while adhering to the unalterable presence of existing windows.
FEATURES:
1. A glass pass-through between rooms allows natural light to flow freely, promoting a sense of openness.
2. The ceiling-mounted sliding glass door hardware elevates the shower experience with taller glass panels and effortless operation.
3. Accessibility and safety were paramount, resulting in a zero-entry shower, strategically placed grab bars, and an 'assist' TP holder.
4. To cater to varying preferences, a main showerhead and hand shower were accessible for standing and bench use.
5. A shared glass door between rooms eliminated the inconvenience of cumbersome door swings.
6. Privacy was enhanced through gradient glass etching, ensuring comfort and tranquility.
7. The digital shower system allowed for personalized controls, accommodating the unique preferences of the couple.
Creating a private bath around the existing MTI tub initially seemed insurmountable. However, innovative thinking led to a transformative solution. The drop-in tub was ingeniously converted into a free-standing tub with a narrow quartz deck adorned with a captivating mother-of-pearl mosaic tile surround. A floating walnut shelf at the tub's end introduced practicality and organic beauty.
Black plumbing fixtures were chosen to accentuate the mesmerizing depth of the mother-of-pearl mosaic tile. Horizontal book-matched walnut vanities introduced warmth and character, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor view. The white quartz countertop is a refreshing contrast to the intricate finishes, lending a touch of sophistication. The ceiling light over the tub, akin to the icing on a cake, added a final note of elegance.
To meet the client's need for increased storage, the vanities have pullouts & roll-outs. These thoughtful additions ensured effortless access to personal care products. LED-lit medicine cabinets not only provided excellent lighting but also served as storage for everyday essentials. Vanity toe kick lighting is thoughtfully designed with a motion sensor at the entry, providing a guiding path to the water closet. Particularly valued during nighttime, this feature prevents unnecessary lights from illuminating, preserving the tranquility of those in bed.

The Moongate residence seems to rise naturally from the red rocks, its glass curves strategically designed to capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and other remarkable landscapes. This harmonious fusion with nature creates a sense of continuity between inside and out, magnifying the home's overall aesthetic. At the heart of this home, the foyer's glass staircase stands out as a true work of art and engineering prowess. Suspended by steel rods, this staircase with its crystalline stair treads gives the illusion of floating, creating a spectacular visual effect in front of a vast wall of windows. This central element not only adds a touch of modernity and refinement, it also becomes a captivating focal point that impresses from the moment you enter.
This project was awarded the SILVER prize in the INT Grand Prix du Design 2024.
LOCATION: Sedona, Arizona, USA, Collaboration with Swaback Architecture & Design Studio
THICKNESS: 3” (72 mm)
COLOR & TEXTURE: Crystal Granula
EDGE: Polished
SPECIAL FEATURES: Floating steps
Photo credit: Dino Tonn Photography
/ ARCHITECT : RICK WILCOXSON

Kitchen in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.

Dining Room in 45th Place | Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel in Phoenix, AZ |
Room Type: Kitchen Remodel |
Project Name: 45th Place |
Key Feature: A transitional kitchen remodel that proves smart material selections and a clear design vision can deliver a high-impact result without a luxury budget.
Challenge: The kitchen needed a full refresh but the project had real budget constraints. The challenge was making intentional material choices that looked elevated and cohesive without overspending, while still delivering the clean, transitional aesthetic the clients wanted.
Solution: Living with Lolo approached this as a design problem first, identifying where to invest and where to pull back without sacrificing the overall look. Budget-friendly materials were selected strategically so the finished kitchen felt intentional and designed rather than value-engineered. The result is a space that punches above its price point because the design thinking behind it was sound from the start.
Materials: Budget-conscious cabinetry, transitional hardware and fixtures, and durable countertop surfaces selected for both value and visual impact.
Budget: $30,000 to $75,000 |
Timeline: Completed approximately 2019, roughly 2 to 4 months from design through completion.

Unlike the more traditionally think chef's block, this modestly sized transitional kitchen features a thinner and more streamlined design giving it a near flush install with the counter-top. You will notice it strategically located right next to the kitchen sink on one of the two facing islands with double pullout trash storage below to conveniently brush the chopped leftovers into and stainless dishwasher on the left. On the other side of this island, we designed in a stainless under-counter beverage refrigerator with pull-out trash to the left.
A transitional induction cooktop rests on the other island just across from the seating area, giving the homeowner the option to easily converse with family and friends while cooking a meal. Just below the cooktop, you will notice plentiful pullout storage for pots and pans.
Beyond the two island is a creatively designed side-by-side Frigidaire stainless refrigerator and freezer encased in a custom built box stained to match the beige cabinets throughout the kitchen. They are flanked on either side by floating shelves with base pullout storage on the left and an under-counter oven on the right.
All of these features combined with the tile flooring and ceiling accented by weathered wood beams and rustic hanging light fixture give this kitchen a truly warm and inviting glow.

This Georgian Colonial anchoring the culdesac is just a beauty. It is so apparent that light defines space and more so enables us to see what we see. Strategic landscaping by our crew allowed tall slender trees to anchor the road presentation and support the landscape in the front yard. Ofcourse all the landscape design had great lighting right behind it as well. Various strategies such as cross lighting, front lighting, silhouetting, down lighting and low level lighting allowed accent lighting to shine it's thing on what I thought was some of the most interesting and striking Focal specimens in the Landscape. The levels of brightness play a dominant role in direction of the welcoming of the house to others as there are several options for entry and light brightness helps direct the guests to the door. As most homeowners drive into the garage to enter the home they don't think about the approach in the dark as much as we do. Outdoor lighting on the house and fixtures secured to the home have to be at times toned down or aligned with light intensity to match the landscape lighting. Finish pointing at night and night time photography which we do as part of our landscape lighting installation approach shows these details best.
It gives us an opportunity to adjust beam sprays, add lens covers and readjust the landscape lighting fixtures for more optimal results.

Many homeowners think they have to rip out all their carpet to have a "pet-proof" home. That is a myth. For this project, we installed a strategic combination of Shaw Pet Perfect™ Carpet in the bedrooms and Heavy-Duty Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in the main living areas, creating a home that is cozy and indestructible.
Why We Recommend Shaw Pet Perfect™:
LifeGuard Spill-Proof Backing: This is the game-changer. Unlike standard carpet where accidents soak through to the pad (creating permanent odors), Shaw’s blue LifeGuard® backing keeps spills on the surface for easy cleaning. It literally saves your subfloor.
Bleach & Fade Resistant: The high-performance fibers resist bleaching from harsh cleaners and fading from sunlight.
Easy-Clean Hair Release: Designed specifically to release pet hair when vacuumed, rather than trapping it deep in the fibers.
The Vinyl Advantage:
We paired the soft carpet with Commercial-Grade LVP in high-traffic zones. It is 100% waterproof and features a reinforced wear layer to stop claw marks at the door.
The Result: A home that feels warm and soft where you want it, and tough as nails where you need it. Come see our Shaw Pet Perfect display in Denton today.
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