THE PROBLEM Our clients fell in love with the this home and its beautiful, secluded surroundings the first time they saw it. Over time however, the split living space on the main floor proved to be not as functional as they wanted it to be for their family nor did it provide a great connection to the outdoor space that they loved so much. THE SOLUTION The solution, while clear, was not simple. To remove the main load bearing wall shared by these two rooms took a considerable amount of framing and the introduction of new structural components to merge two unique rooflines. The removal of the wall created an eat-in kitchen with a wall of windows and an open concept living area. One of the main features and highlights of this space is a uniquely designed banquette that is a custom built-in extension of the island offering both seating at the island as well as a place for an actual dining table. The new layout also offered ample spacing for cooking, plenty of preparation space as well as a coffee and tea area for the family's assortment of favorite beverages. Custom cabinetry adorns the walls alongside a neutral and class backsplash, new white oak floors, updated entryway and hallway pantry closet.

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned. One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering. From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal. To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life. Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Photos by Project Focus Photography and designed by Amy Smith
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall porcelain tile and gray floor wet bar remodel in Tampa with no sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash and white countertops

White Quartz Island Countertops and Perimeter White Quartz Island Bar Countertops beautifully selected with a grey base offsetting the grey floors. In addition to white baseboards and trim. On the kitchen perimeter the white quartz perfectly pops off the light oak cabinets. With the addition of the grey quartz composite undermount sink and stainless steel appliances tie all the elements nicely together. This is a kitchen that welcomes family and friends and leaves you feeling light hearted with cool greys and warm cabinets. Anyone would enjoy a glass of tea or a warm cup of coffee at the bar in this kitchen. Quartz countertops and grey quartz composite sink complete in Client Project kitchen Renovation ~ Thank you for sharing! Bar Island Options Additional ideas and selections for bar tops and islands include mixing various surfaces. Such as, wood and stone or granite and quartz. Adding cooktops, kitchen sinks, or various prep sinks that may include a trough design that doubles as keeping beverages cold. Bar Islands provide that extra space to gather together or just overall added workspace for prepping and serving meals from such as this white quartz island bar shown. Quartz Slab Yard Available When it comes to stone, there is no substitute for viewing full slabs of quartz. You will be able to view our inventory of quartz or granite at our local slab yard. French Creek Designers can arrange client viewing of stone slabs. Get unbeatable prices with our No Waste Program Stone Countertops. The No Waste Program features a selection of granite we keep in stock. Having a large countertop selection inventory on hand. This allows us to only charge for the square footage you need, with no additional transportation costs. In addition, to the full slabs remember to peruse through the remnants for those smaller projects such as tabletops, small vanity countertops, mantels and hearths. Many great finds for stone projects.

A shared rec room for a book lover and a sports fan.
Small trendy walk-out carpeted, beige floor and wallpaper basement photo in Detroit with white walls

The sweetest little bosses I have ever had. It was a pleasure creating a space for them that will last a lifetime. Sleepovers, tea parties, and secrets will be shared here for years to come, and it made me feel like a kid again. A win all around! Attic Build-out in Brookhaven area of Atlanta, Ga. Kitchenette, Window Reading Nook, Custom Trundle Beds, Shower Only Bathroom, and Hangsuite. A beautiful portion of a larger project. #designbuild #designtransforms

A collaborative project with an architect friend of mine who has since changed careers, this remodel maximizes the use of small spaces and features a precise design of natural light. We opened a large light well to illuminate the living area and differentiate it from the connected dining room and entry. These “rooms” all share the same space and the distinct treatment of light awards them their own discreet quality. Placement of the range and other elements in the kitchen were chosen for function and ease of maintenance. It is a high-efficiency family kitchen with seamless steel countertops and integral sink itself as well as a conduction cooktop that visually blends into the surface. White upper cabinets make the space feel larger, and floating wood shelves and an antique tea cabinet bring in warmth. In the bathroom, we worked with minimal details for a clean and uncluttered look that creates a feeling of spaciousness. We replaced an older, more cumbersome deck and stair with two distinct yet connected spaces: a top perch for smaller gatherings that smoothly leads down to a lower deck area that, in turn, opens into the garden, which can now be used as a second, outdoor living room.

The sweetest little bosses I have ever had. It was a pleasure creating a space for them that will last a lifetime. Sleepovers, tea parties, and secrets will be shared here for years to come, and it made me feel like a kid again. A win all around! Attic Build-out in Brookhaven area of Atlanta, Ga. Kitchenette, Window Reading Nook, Custom Trundle Beds, Shower Only Bathroom, and Hangsuite. A beautiful portion of a larger project. #designbuild #designtransforms

Incorporating bold colors and patterns, this project beautifully reflects our clients' dynamic personalities. Clean lines, modern elements, and abundant natural light enhance the home, resulting in a harmonious fusion of design and personality. This dining room features eye-catching teal walls, comfy upholstered chairs, captivating artwork, and a striking statement light fixture – a vibrant, inviting space for shared moments.

THE PROBLEM Our clients fell in love with the this home and its beautiful, secluded surroundings the first time they saw it. Over time however, the split living space on the main floor proved to be not as functional as they wanted it to be for their family nor did it provide a great connection to the outdoor space that they loved so much. THE SOLUTION The solution, while clear, was not simple. To remove the main load bearing wall shared by these two rooms took a considerable amount of framing and the introduction of new structural components to merge two unique rooflines. The removal of the wall created an eat-in kitchen with a wall of windows and an open concept living area. One of the main features and highlights of this space is a uniquely designed banquette that is a custom built-in extension of the island offering both seating at the island as well as a place for an actual dining table. The new layout also offered ample spacing for cooking, plenty of preparation space as well as a coffee and tea area for the family's assortment of favorite beverages. Custom cabinetry adorns the walls alongside a neutral and class backsplash, new white oak floors, updated entryway and hallway pantry closet.

White Quartz Island Countertops and Perimeter White Quartz Island Bar Countertops beautifully selected with a grey base offsetting the grey floors. In addition to white baseboards and trim. On the kitchen perimeter the white quartz perfectly pops off the light oak cabinets. With the addition of the grey quartz composite undermount sink and stainless steel appliances tie all the elements nicely together. This is a kitchen that welcomes family and friends and leaves you feeling light hearted with cool greys and warm cabinets. Anyone would enjoy a glass of tea or a warm cup of coffee at the bar in this kitchen. Quartz countertops and grey quartz composite sink complete in Client Project kitchen Renovation ~ Thank you for sharing! Bar Island Options Additional ideas and selections for bar tops and islands include mixing various surfaces. Such as, wood and stone or granite and quartz. Adding cooktops, kitchen sinks, or various prep sinks that may include a trough design that doubles as keeping beverages cold. Bar Islands provide that extra space to gather together or just overall added workspace for prepping and serving meals from such as this white quartz island bar shown. Quartz Slab Yard Available When it comes to stone, there is no substitute for viewing full slabs of quartz. You will be able to view our inventory of quartz or granite at our local slab yard. French Creek Designers can arrange client viewing of stone slabs. Get unbeatable prices with our No Waste Program Stone Countertops. The No Waste Program features a selection of granite we keep in stock. Having a large countertop selection inventory on hand. This allows us to only charge for the square footage you need, with no additional transportation costs. In addition, to the full slabs remember to peruse through the remnants for those smaller projects such as tabletops, small vanity countertops, mantels and hearths. Many great finds for stone projects.

The sweetest little bosses I have ever had. It was a pleasure creating a space for them that will last a lifetime. Sleepovers, tea parties, and secrets will be shared here for years to come, and it made me feel like a kid again. A win all around! Attic Build-out in Brookhaven area of Atlanta, Ga. Kitchenette, Window Reading Nook, Custom Trundle Beds, Shower Only Bathroom, and Hangsuite. A beautiful portion of a larger project. #designbuild #designtransforms

The Living "Cabin" is framed by a generous opening that directs towards the Dining and Kitchen. Two wood-cased double-hung windows open to the street front, and direct furnishing arrangements inward to the shared space of the home.

To enlarge the master bathroom, we needed to use the closet space on the other side of the adjoining wall. Since the master bedroom and garage shared the same exterior wall, we were able to push out a portion of the block wall to create a large walk-in closet with built-ins. At the same time, we also created a dividing wall in the garage that separated the laundry area. With the new square footage, the master bath was large enough to accommodate a luxurious Kohler “Tea for Two” whirlpool tub and walk-in shower. The Crystal Encore vanity cabinets featured a Tahoe door style in a Cotton White matte finish that was topped with MSI’s Calacutta Clara, a classic Italian marble-looking quartz featuring a milky-white backdrop and gorgeous long linear veining. This countertop was specifically chosen to match the Lotus Statuarro Michelangelo polished porcelain slabs that decorated the walls and were book-matched for flawless symmetry. To complement the grey and white tones in the master bath, the shower and main floors were tiled in honed Thassos and Cinderella marble in a herringbone pattern. Kohler Purist plumbing fixtures in polished chrome complete the look.

The sweetest little bosses I have ever had. It was a pleasure creating a space for them that will last a lifetime. Sleepovers, tea parties, and secrets will be shared here for years to come, and it made me feel like a kid again. A win all around! Attic Build-out in Brookhaven area of Atlanta, Ga. Kitchenette, Window Reading Nook, Custom Trundle Beds, Shower Only Bathroom, and Hangsuite. A beautiful portion of a larger project. #designbuild #designtransforms

Pezzo Bello Interiors
Example of a kids' room design in Kansas City

The two youngest children share a bedroom but theirs came with the magical turret room. Once a poorly designed closet, we renovated it to include a custom bookcase and built-in daybed. The daybed features a drawer for additional storage, a custom cushion, an oversized pillows fabricated from the softest velvet. We included a shelf on the side of the bookcase to hold a couple cups of tea or a snack for nighttime reading.

THE PROBLEM Our clients fell in love with the this home and its beautiful, secluded surroundings the first time they saw it. Over time however, the split living space on the main floor proved to be not as functional as they wanted it to be for their family nor did it provide a great connection to the outdoor space that they loved so much. THE SOLUTION The solution, while clear, was not simple. To remove the main load bearing wall shared by these two rooms took a considerable amount of framing and the introduction of new structural components to merge two unique rooflines. The removal of the wall created an eat-in kitchen with a wall of windows and an open concept living area. One of the main features and highlights of this space is a uniquely designed banquette that is a custom built-in extension of the island offering both seating at the island as well as a place for an actual dining table. The new layout also offered ample spacing for cooking, plenty of preparation space as well as a coffee and tea area for the family's assortment of favorite beverages. Custom cabinetry adorns the walls alongside a neutral and class backsplash, new white oak floors, updated entryway and hallway pantry closet.

The two youngest children share a bedroom but theirs came with the magical turret room. Once a poorly designed closet, we renovated it to include a custom bookcase and built-in daybed. The daybed features a drawer for additional storage, a custom cushion, an oversized pillows fabricated from the softest velvet. We included a shelf on the side of the bookcase to hold a couple cups of tea or a snack for nighttime reading.