Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. 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

Dark Maple Cabinet, Slab Door Cabinets, Quartz Counter top, Square Sink, Glass Mosaic Backsplash, Porcelain Tile Floors, Glass Tile Shower, Bench Seat, Steam Shower, Pebble Shower Floor, Built-in Tub with Quartz Surrounds, Framed Mirror, Glass ball Pendants, Chrome Bath Fixtures, Soap Niches, Handheld Shower, Deck Mount Tub Filler, Frameless Shower Enclosure, Tile Boarder in Shower

Rustic kitchen gets an update. Natural light from a skylight beams down on this warm wood kitchen with unique rail and pendent lighting. There's a special space for everything; the mixer, spices, trays, deep drawers for pots and pans and divided inserts to keep you organized. The drown-draft vent disappears when not in use, but pops up when needed in a flash. A deep peninsula counter allows for room for the cook and all to gather around. Photo: Northlight Photography

Doing a remodel with the thought of long term should always be in mind. So when doing this project i knew i didn't want grout in the shower, then what are my options for something that looks timeless, would stand up to years of soaps, shampoo and still look great in years to come. I had seen these sheets of porcelain from Spain at a trade show a number of years ago, it seemed that for my own bath it was a good project to give them a try. These are available in different sizes and thicknesses and i am really happy with them. The cast iron bath tub with an antiqued chrome wrap is the Whitby from Penhaglion, it sits in front of the window which has an opaque small patterned film covering the once clear glass. The bath and sink faucets, come from Penhaglion, that I have to say is an amazing company to work with. Heated floors in the bath and shower area as well as a Toto toilet, all pulled together with a vintage sideboard that was refinished to suite the plumbing of the 2 drop in sinks. Air assisted rain head, wall and hand held shower with an oversize niche make for a great showering experience. Susan Brook Interiors Susan Brook Interiors

This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring,a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” 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

White Cabinet, Caesarstone Quartz Reflection, Circle Glass Tile Boarder, Glass Mosaic Backsplash, Chrome Fixtures, Porcelain Tile Shower, Porcelain Tile Floor, Soap Niche, Blue Wall

Designers: Revital Kaufman-Meron & Susan Bowen Photos: LucidPic Photography - Rich Anderson
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in San Francisco

reconfigure a bath space for a larger shower (remove bathtub) and reposition a toilet in a less visible spot. organized the vanity area for a better function and more storage.

Kitchen remodel with shaker style cherry cabinetry with leathered counter top, slide in range, custom wine cubbies, lazy susan, double trash pull out and glass tile back splash.

This kitchen had a big transition! Walls, soffits, laminate countertops and the old tile backsplash were all torn out and a doorway was widened to make room for the ‘new’ improved kitchen. Granite countertops were installed and an 18 gauge stainless steel apron sink was added. Functional as well as striking, the large undermount sink has a built in soap dispenser, water filter and insta-hot faucet. New cabinets were added and both new and existing cabinets were refaced in white with new Amesbury doors and drawer fronts added. Indie the cabinets, full extension rollouts and a lazy susan were added to upgrade the storage capabilities.

This kitchen had a big transition! Walls, soffits, laminate countertops and the old tile backsplash were all torn out and a doorway was widened to make room for the ‘new’ improved kitchen. Granite countertops were installed and an 18 gauge stainless steel apron sink was added. Functional as well as striking, the large undermount sink has a built in soap dispenser, water filter and insta-hot faucet. New cabinets were added and both new and existing cabinets were refaced in white with new Amesbury doors and drawer fronts added. Indie the cabinets, full extension rollouts and a lazy susan were added to upgrade the storage capabilities.

This kitchen had a big transition! Walls, soffits, laminate countertops and the old tile backsplash were all torn out and a doorway was widened to make room for the ‘new’ improved kitchen. Granite countertops were installed and an 18 gauge stainless steel apron sink was added. Functional as well as striking, the large undermount sink has a built in soap dispenser, water filter and insta-hot faucet. New cabinets were added and both new and existing cabinets were refaced in white with new Amesbury doors and drawer fronts added. Indie the cabinets, full extension rollouts and a lazy susan were added to upgrade the storage capabilities.

Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Dark Maple Cabinet, Slab Door Cabinets, Quartz Counter top, Square Sink, Glass Mosaic Backsplash, Porcelain Tile Floors, Glass Tile Shower, Bench Seat, Steam Shower, Pebble Shower Floor, Built-in Tub with Quartz Surrounds, Framed Mirror, Glass ball Pendants, Chrome Bath Fixtures, Soap Niches, Handheld Shower, Deck Mount Tub Filler, Frameless Shower Enclosure, Tile Boarder in Shower

vessel sinks, square sinks, Sahara Gold Marble Counter top, Framed mirror, oil rubbed bronze sconce, glass window in shower, stone mosaic backsplash, bench seat

Kitchen photo in San Francisco

Rustic kitchen gets an update. Natural light from a skylight beams down on this warm wood kitchen with unique rail and pendent lighting. There's a special space for everything; the mixer, spices, trays, deep drawers for pots and pans and divided inserts to keep you organized. The drown-draft vent disappears when not in use, but pops up when needed in a flash. A deep peninsula counter allows for room for the cook and all to gather around. Photo: Northlight Photography

This kitchen had a big transition! Walls, soffits, laminate countertops and the old tile backsplash were all torn out and a doorway was widened to make room for the ‘new’ improved kitchen. Granite countertops were installed and an 18 gauge stainless steel apron sink was added. Functional as well as striking, the large undermount sink has a built in soap dispenser, water filter and insta-hot faucet. New cabinets were added and both new and existing cabinets were refaced in white with new Amesbury doors and drawer fronts added. Indie the cabinets, full extension rollouts and a lazy susan were added to upgrade the storage capabilities.