This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

WE ALWAYS USE "SUPER SUSANS" (NO CENTER POLE).....ALLOWS FULL ACCESS FOR ALL SIZED ITEMS.....IF SOMETHING FALLS OFF OF TOP DISC, IT JUST LANDS ON THE SUPPORT SHELF..... OTHERWISE IT WOULD GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE BACK BOTTOM OF THE CABINET!

Mike Kelley
Example of a large trendy gray two-story concrete exterior home design in Los Angeles with a metal roof

Photo by Ellen McDermott
Bedroom - mid-sized cottage master carpeted bedroom idea in New York

Nursery - modern nursery idea in San Diego

Huge re-model including taking ceiling from a flat ceiling to a complete transformation. Bamboo custom cabinetry was given a grey stain, mixed with walnut strip on the bar and the island given a different stain. Huge amounts of storage from deep pan corner drawers, roll out trash, coffee station, built in refrigerator, wine and alcohol storage, appliance garage, pantry and appliance storage, the amounts go on and on. Floating shelves with a back that just grabs the eye takes this kitchen to another level. The clients are thrilled with this huge difference from their original space.

Transitional family room photo in Los Angeles

Patio - traditional patio idea in New York

Gina Rogers
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Indianapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Jane Beiles
Example of a transitional living room design in New York

Jane Beiles
Transitional living room photo in New York

Example of a transitional bedroom design in New York

For an 11-year-old moving across the country and starting middle school, a great new room can mean a haven and hideout. She said she dug green, and we went with that and arrived here: a funky mix of old and new, lots of space for books, and a cozy place to read. She loves it, and we designed it to grow up with her.

UPDATED KITCHEN
Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar design in Other with quartzite countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, no sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and white countertops

Jane Beiles
Family room - transitional family room idea in New York

This walk through Master Dressing room has multiple storage areas, from pull down rods for higher hanging clothes, organized sock storage, double laundry hampers and swing out ironing board. The large mirrored door swings open to reveal costume jewelry storage. This was part of a very large remodel, the dressing room connects to the project Master Bathroom floating wall and Master with Sitting Room.

Luxury master bath design in North San Diego County by interior designer Susan Spath of Kern & Co. Marble top vanities, hardwood floors, and custom interior lighting bring warmth and luxury to this design.

Lazy Susan, Glass Wall Cabinets Classic Kitchen & Bath designer Cathy Pitts along side Ben Trost with Trost Custom Homes worked together to create this beautiful white on white kitchen! Medallion inset cabinets with Viatera quartz really give this kitchen a clean and classic look.