Large family room designed for multi generation family gatherings. Modern open room connected to the kitchen and home bar.
Inspiration for a large rustic open concept medium tone wood floor, beige floor and vaulted ceiling family room remodel in Denver with a bar, beige walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Impluvium Architecture Location: San Ramon, CA, USA This project was a direct referral from a friend. I was the Architect and helped coordinate with various sub-contractors. I also co-designed the project with various consultants including Interior and Landscape Design Almost always, and in this case, I do my best to draw out the creativity of my clients, even when they think that they are not creative. This house is a perfect example of that with much of the client's vision and culture infused into the house.

THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Our clients desired an organic and airy look for their kitchen and living room areas. Our team began by painting the entire home a creamy white and installing all new white oak floors throughout. The former dark wood kitchen cabinets were removed to make room for the new light wood and white kitchen. The clients originally requested an "all white" kitchen, but the designer suggested bringing in light wood accents to give the kitchen some additional contrast. The wood ceiling cloud helps to anchor the space and echoes the new wood ceiling beams in the adjacent living area. To further incorporate the wood into the design, the designer framed each cabinetry wall with white oak "frames" that coordinate with the wood flooring. Woven barstools, textural throw pillows and olive trees complete the organic look. The original large fireplace stones were replaced with a linear ripple effect stone tile to add modern texture. Cozy accents and a few additional furniture pieces were added to the clients existing sectional sofa and chairs to round out the casually sophisticated space.

Remodeler: Michels Homes Designer: Studio M Kitchen & Bath Photography: Scott Admundson Photography
Inspiration for a large modern galley light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and white countertops

Shaker style cabinetry with a modern flair. Painted cabinetry with the warmth of stained quartersawn oak accents and stainless steel drawer fronts. Thick two toned butcher block on the island makes a great focal point and the built in seating nook is very cozy. We also created some custom details for the family pets like hidden gates at the doorway and comfortable beds with screened doors.

Our clients desired an organic and airy look for their kitchen and living room areas. Our team began by painting the entire home a creamy white and installing all new white oak floors throughout. The former dark wood kitchen cabinets were removed to make room for the new light wood and white kitchen. The clients originally requested an "all white" kitchen, but the designer suggested bringing in light wood accents to give the kitchen some additional contrast. The wood ceiling cloud helps to anchor the space and echoes the new wood ceiling beams in the adjacent living area. To further incorporate the wood into the design, the designer framed each cabinetry wall with white oak "frames" that coordinate with the wood flooring. Woven barstools, textural throw pillows and olive trees complete the organic look. The original large fireplace stones were replaced with a linear ripple effect stone tile to add modern texture. Cozy accents and a few additional furniture pieces were added to the clients existing sectional sofa and chairs to round out the casually sophisticated space.

This basement renovation took into account the homeowner's active lifestyle, connection to the river and the need for a space that can support friends being active, having fun, entertaining or relaxing.

Inspiration for a large rustic master gray tile and cement tile cement tile floor and beige floor freestanding bathtub remodel in San Diego with flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink, gray walls, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Living Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

Living Room in Grayhawk Elevated | Room Type: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Dining, Living Room + Office – 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Bath, 4,127 Square Feet. Project Name: Greyhawk Elevated | Key Feature: A modern transformation centered around a redesigned kitchen and living space blending contemporary style with masculine touches, including a reimagined fireplace with an integrated bar and a bold, personality-driven powder bath. Challenge: Clients moved in prior to completion of the remodel. Solution: The home was thoughtfully updated to include a high-end modern kitchen, cozy and inviting family spaces, a functional laundry room with a dog feeding station and storage solutions, and elevated design moments such as vibrant wallpaper and a built-in bar feature. Having clients in the home during the remodel required additional communication with clients and subs. Managed to work around everyone's schedules as needed for a smooth execution and completed project. Materials: Lighting: Visual Comfort, Alora. Rugs: Loloi. Art: Leftbank. Mirrors: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Thibault. Furniture: Four Hands, Denver Modern, Dovetail, Moss Studio. Budget: $100k-$250k | Timeline: Completed December 2024

Our clients desired an organic and airy look for their kitchen and living room areas. Our team began by painting the entire home a creamy white and installing all new white oak floors throughout. The former dark wood kitchen cabinets were removed to make room for the new light wood and white kitchen. The clients originally requested an "all white" kitchen, but the designer suggested bringing in light wood accents to give the kitchen some additional contrast. The wood ceiling cloud helps to anchor the space and echoes the new wood ceiling beams in the adjacent living area. To further incorporate the wood into the design, the designer framed each cabinetry wall with white oak "frames" that coordinate with the wood flooring. Woven barstools, textural throw pillows and olive trees complete the organic look. The original large fireplace stones were replaced with a linear ripple effect stone tile to add modern texture. Cozy accents and a few additional furniture pieces were added to the clients existing sectional sofa and chairs to round out the casually sophisticated space.

Staircase - large modern wooden curved metal railing staircase idea in Miami with painted risers

THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

Miller + Miller Real Estate Sun-filled kitchen + breakfast room. Large windows galore offer views of waterfalls trees + wildlife (including backless china cabinet + window over range to maintain view of gardens). Distressed white oak floor. Skylights. Faux finish walls/ceiling. Kitchen with expansive Island with 13-foot hardwood counter-top and second prep sink. Two dishwashers in Island, Two Subzero 36 inch fridge/freezers, plus Two refrigerator drawers. Fully Renovated. All indoor and outdoor appliances are new in ’09.

The adorable and bright transitional kitchen is a statment in every home. the open floorplan with the same flooring matirial flowing in the kitchen and throughout the house, the white cabinets and the contrasting dark island makes the kitchen feel large and airy. A larg built-in pantry wall floor to ceiling with a perfectly designed opening for the fridge gives you the expensive "sub zero" fridge look without spending the extra cash for it. a neat trick we use for people who use the microwave a lot is the utilization of a 30" microwave-hood unit but in a regular upper cabinet and not above a range. The center peice of this kitchen is the counter top, the matirial is Quartzite and the model is Snow white. We recived 2 slabs of this awsome natural stone and imidiatly noticed the section of it that had "tiger" strips. That unique design of the stone was special and we used that part only for the island leaving the rest of the more cleaner and whitter parts of the slab for the rest of the kitchen.

THE SETUP Senior Designer Diana Burton’s client loved her sixties-era home – it just needed some work. The cozy galley kitchen was narrow and mostly closed off from the family room. A pass-through window served as a limited pipeline for treats and chatter. The appliances were failing, too. It was simply time for an overhaul. Design Objectives: Remove load bearing wall and open kitchen to the family room Omit large unused fireplace in family room Increase work surfaces and overall storage solutions Dedicated small countertop appliance storage Seating for 3 or 4 at island Add pantry storage Offer solution for lack of mudroom Upgrade all appliances THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Finding a location to hide structural support for new beam Reworking awkward configuration of existing walls Adding a walk-in pantry Creating mudroom storage Allowing room for large sectional in family room Design Solutions: Add a discreet column by the fridge to hide essential support Flush out wall by bath to be even with the range wall, where the new walk in pantry exists Use void space behind new wall for large appliance garage Create combination walk in pantry/mudroom by adding bench with shoe storage and hooks Maintain island depth for comfortable seating without infringing on space for the sectional THE RENEWED SPACE This cramped, dated kitchen has a new lease on life! Opening it to the family room dramatically transformed the space. Diana’s client now has plenty of storage, a big island for food prep, and an open-concept space that’s perfect for entertaining and hanging out with friends and family.

The adorable and bright transitional kitchen is a statment in every home. the open floorplan with the same flooring matirial flowing in the kitchen and throughout the house, the white cabinets and the contrasting dark island makes the kitchen feel large and airy. A larg built-in pantry wall floor to ceiling with a perfectly designed opening for the fridge gives you the expensive "sub zero" fridge look without spending the extra cash for it. a neat trick we use for people who use the microwave a lot is the utilization of a 30" microwave-hood unit but in a regular upper cabinet and not above a range. The center peice of this kitchen is the counter top, the matirial is Quartzite and the model is Snow white. We recived 2 slabs of this awsome natural stone and imidiatly noticed the section of it that had "tiger" strips. That unique design of the stone was special and we used that part only for the island leaving the rest of the more cleaner and whitter parts of the slab for the rest of the kitchen.