Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Chris Bradley
Inspiration for a small timeless wine cellar remodel in Chicago with display racks

We designed this lovely, private dining area with custom wood-slat screens and a concrete kitchen complete with seating, grilling, counters and wood storage.

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photography: Landmark Photography
Example of a small minimalist concrete floor kitchen design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, limestone countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and dark wood cabinets

Inspiration for a large craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and shiplap ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Joshua Dover
Example of a huge mountain style backyard custom-shaped and stone pool design in Atlanta

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life. The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space. Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Overview Whole house refurbishment, double storey wrap around extension and large loft conversion. The Brief Create a WOW factor space, add glamour and fun and give the house a street side and garden side, both different. Our Solution This project was exciting from the start, the client wanted to entertain in a WOW factor space, have a panoramic view of the garden (which was to be landscaped), add bedrooms and a great master suite. We had some key elements to introduce such as an aquarium separating two rooms; double height spaces and a gloss kitchen, all of which manifest themselves in the completed scheme. Architecture is a process taking a schedule of areas, some key desires and needs, mixing the functionality and creating space. New spaces transform a house making it more valuable, giving it kerb appeal and making it feel like a different building. All of which happened at Ailsa Road.

Stoffer Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall home bar remodel in Grand Rapids with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops and brown countertops

True character from the beautiful craftsman style home in Old Oakville, Onatrio, Canada
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.

Example of a large minimalist master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in Raleigh with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls, a vessel sink and wood countertops

David Marlow
Inspiration for a rustic u-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Denver with beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a farmhouse sink, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: TEA2 Architects | Interior Design: Marcia Morine | Photography: Landmark Photography
Example of a mountain style l-shaped medium tone wood floor seated home bar design in Minneapolis with distressed cabinets

Take a look at this perfect 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, Barn house plan featuring 3,205 sq. ft. of living space. This design offers a large covered, wrap around porch with magnificent space for outdoor living. The exterior also includes a front entry garage, and the rear entry garage feature.

True character from the beautiful craftsman style home in Old Oakville, Onatrio, Canada
Example of a large trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen design in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Large transitional formal and enclosed carpeted and beige floor living room photo in Orange County with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Transitional dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Chicago with blue walls and no fireplace