Photographer: Ryan Gamma
Mid-sized minimalist master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub photo in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

This project was an extensive kitchen remodel. Our goal was to open up the space, while still creating storage and function. We added a large pantry with custom old fashion hanging wood barn door. High-end stainless steel appliances, with a separate space for the refrigerator and freezer and wood beams to add dimension. Mixing color, various woodstains to fit the eclectic style of this room. Photo by: John Gauvin

Peter Vanderwarker
Mid-sized minimalist brown one-story wood flat roof photo in Boston with a medium wood front door

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

Mid-sized cottage galley medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

This "Not so Big House" has a lot of heart and a lot of light. It underwent a major transition both in functionality and looks. Out with dark and drab and in with pretty and fresh. Photo Credits - David Papazian Photography

John Lee
Deck - contemporary deck idea in San Francisco

Collective Design + Furnishings | Kimberly Gavin
Kitchen - rustic l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Drop-in bathtub - contemporary master white tile and marble tile mosaic tile floor drop-in bathtub idea in London with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink and gray walls

Elegant wooden l-shaped staircase photo in Denver with wooden risers

Hallway - large contemporary marble floor hallway idea in Ahmedabad

The rug is only being used in photos to hide the ginormous floor crack we discovered after we moved in. I swear we do not actually keep a gross hair- and bacteria-collecting rug in our bathroom! Photo © Bethany Nauert

The Bar is set into a Nook off the Living Room. The bar is lined with green malachite wallpaper and has a dark stained wood counter. Interior Design by Ashley Whittaker. Thomas Loof photographer.

Country family room library photo in Austin with a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Susan Teare Photography
Example of a mountain style kitchen design in Burlington with blue cabinets, yellow walls and wood countertops

Custom built Island has wheels and can be moved to support specific kitchen activities. Artistic brushed stainless steel top and lots of storage inside.

Sarah Reynolds
Minimalist home office photo in Dublin

Example of an arts and crafts u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Sacramento with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, an island, a farmhouse sink, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances