Search results for "Time consuming task" in Home Design Ideas

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo.
The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace.
The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster.
To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color.
A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed.
The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish.
The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger.
The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen.
The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier.
The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units.
California living at its best.

This transitional kitchen remodel features custom shaker cabinetry, a warm wood-stained island, and a highly functional U-shaped layout designed for everyday living. The original kitchen was reimagined to improve flow, storage, and lighting while maintaining a timeless, neutral color palette.
Light greige custom cabinets extend to the ceiling with crown molding for a built-in look, paired with soft-close drawers and doors for lasting durability. Deep drawer storage near the range, expanded island storage, and improved corner cabinetry solutions maximize organization and efficiency. Under-cabinet lighting and recessed ceiling lighting enhance task areas and create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Wide plank wood flooring in a natural finish adds warmth and complements the neutral cabinetry, while the centered sink under the window brings in natural light and balances the layout.
This custom kitchen renovation blends classic design, modern functionality, and thoughtful storage solutions—creating a warm, family-friendly space built to stand the test of time.

Nobody would be foolish enough to knowingly purchase PIZZA using a third party call-center middleman.But every day, thousands of people do exactly that when they purchase flowers for delivery!
That’s because a NEW TYPE of “florist” has appeared on the scene. And that means most flower buyers pay as much as 50% MORE than they should pay!
Finding A Floral Supplier
When a prospective flower buyer wants to buy flowers, his first stop is usually the internet. The author’s flower shop is in Charlotte, NC and the two most widely used search terms in this area are: “Charlotte flowers” and “Charlotte florist.”
When the customer searches for either of these terms, he will get a list of results. Paid results (advertising) are usually shown first. Organic (website) results come after the advertisements.
When a customer clicks on an advertisement, he is usually taken to a beautiful website owned by a call-center floral middleman offering beautiful flowers, hand-delivered by a LOCAL florist. And the products are sales TAX FREE.
But what is not revealed is that the middle man does not actually have a flower shop in Charlotte!
The Difference Between Toasters and Flowers
With “durable” products like toasters and sweaters, the location of the seller isn’t terribly important. That’s because the products will be shipped from a warehousevia USPS, UPS or FedEx. But flower arrangements are *fragile* and cannot be shipped that way!
Instead, they must be locally custom-hand-crafted and hand-delivered! And this means that if a customer orders from a middleman’s website, the order must – somehow – be passed from the middleman’s company to a REAL local florist in, for example, Charlotte, NC.
This “order transfer” is done by one of the three florist-to-florist networks: FTD, Teleflora and Bloomnet (1-800-Flowers).
Too Many FEES and COMMISSIONS
Membership in these networks is not free, so the middleman always adds a “handling charge” – typically about $15 -- to the customer’s bill to help pay for hiscosts to access to the network.
Please note that the $15 handling charge usually far exceedsany TAX FREE “savings!”
But the “handling charge” only helps pay for *access* to the network. The florist-to-florist network also takes a 7% commission, and also credits a 20% selling commission back to the middleman!
What this means is that, for a typical online floral purchase, just under HALF of the customer’s money vanishes in unnecessary FEES and COMMISSIONS. By comparison, when a customer buys a toaster from an independent business listing it on Amazon, only a few percent of the purchase price goes to fees and commissions.
With this huge profit potential available to third party floral marketers, it is not surprising that these middlemen spend huge sums on advertising and sales promotion. A few years back, one even took an ad during the Super Bowl!
Buy Direct For Better Value
Clearly, the consumer will always get His Best Floral Value by placing his floral order DIRECT with a Real Florist n the City where the flowers will be delivered.
Sometimes it may be difficult to tell whether a Flower Supplier is located “in town.”Here are three easy ways to separate a “real” florist from a floral middleman:
1. Look for the street address, city and state on the website. Often this will be found on a tab labeled “About Us” or “Contact Us.” If you cannot find an address at all, then this is almost certainly a middleman!
2. Look at the telephone number. If the only number on the website is a TOLL FREE “800” number, then the floral supplier is probably not local.
3. Look at the invoice (before you click the BUY NOW button!) for any “Handling” or “Service” charges. A REAL florist will never add these charges to your bill!
For more information about Charlotte Flowers and Charlotte Florist, please visit the author’s Flower Hut website at http://flowerhut.com.
BUT, if you do not want flowers delivered to Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill or Pineville, NC, please do NOT order from us! Take the time to find a REAL florist in the town where you need flowers delivered. You’ll be glad you did!
Find the right local pro for your project

This wonderful client was keeping their New Hampshire home, but was relocating for 2 years to Texas for work. Before the family arrived, I was tasked with furnishing the whole house so the children feel "at home" when they arrived.
Using a unified color scheme, I procured and coordinated the essentials for an on time, and on budget, and on trend delivery!
Photo Credit: Boldly Beige

Presenting another completed kitchen remodeling project with a stunning transformation that has modernized and improved the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space. The project involved a complete overhaul of the kitchen space including new flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting. The flooring is a beautiful, durable hardwood that adds warmth and texture to the space. The cabinets are sleek and modern, white in color with clean lines and a glossy finish. The countertops are made of high-quality quartz, providing a durable and low-maintenance surface for food preparation and cooking. The lighting is strategically placed throughout the space, providing both task and ambient lighting that can be adjusted to suit any mood or occasion. The overall color scheme is a sophisticated blend of neutrals, with shades of white, wood, and black dominating the palette. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere, making the kitchen feel more spacious and inviting. The completed kitchen remodeling project is a beautiful and functional space that has exceeded expectations. It is the perfect blend of style and practicality, making it a pleasure to cook, entertain, and spend time in.

This home enjoys stunning views of Sweeney Lake from almost anywhere in the home; however it was in need of repair and a significant reorganization of the plan to take full advantage of site. The project is about the complete restoration and rethinking of this vintage 1965 mid-century gem. The house is deceivingly large with a full finished lower level and an indoor pool room; however it lived cramped and broken up. The entry was uninviting and small, the poolroom unused and poorly heated, the kitchen undersized, and the bedrooms and baths poorly accessed.
Our task was to open up the home through the rethinking of the floor plan and the introduction of a new central axis connecting and organizing the homes functions and spaces around view corridors and existing or new focal points. The home had beautiful features to build upon; the central brick fireplace, the raised roofs over the living and pool rooms, and the view to the lake itself. A fully redone exterior and interior preserve the homes proportion and scale, while at the same time bring greater connection to the site and a much needed clarity to the homes organization.
Project Team:
Ben Awes AIA, Principal-In-Charge
Bob Ganser AIA
Christian Dean AIA
Nate Dodge

Stretch Ceilings are ideal for residential solutions for different reasons.
Concealing the popcorn or dry wall ceiling behind, High Gloss Stretch Ceiling visually enlarges the space and brings the room modern and stylish look. Without using or adding any additional lightening systems, high-gloss shine and a light color of the ceiling extremely increase the amount of light in the suite.
Being available in hundreds of designs and dozens of color combinations, it becomes highly convenient to keep with overall interior décor of the house in the same time to bring graceful and exquisite feature to it.
Due to the complexity of the Stretch Ceilings technology, it is very durable, peel and UV resistant, and retains its consumer properties for the whole life.

Just found some pics of an aprox 4,000+ square foot second floor residential addition we built in 2011. Originally we built the commercial part of the building (animal hospital) in 2002. This was not an easy task to accomplish this "mixed use" residential addition during all operating hours of the animal hospital.This project was a great example of uncompromising quality, construction time, and ancillary factors to keep the hospital running during"business as usual". Additionally we worked threw that very snowy winter to meet our deadline. Then again, we do love to challenge ourselves to keep things interesting! (22 photos)

THE SETUP
When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space.
While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses.
In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings!
Design Objectives:
Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities.
Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine.
Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing.
Enhance existing features while developing new areas:
Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs
Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities
Create an integrated bar and entertainment area
Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup
Design Challenges:
Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas.
Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan.
Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement.
Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements.
Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking.
Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns)
THE RENEWED SPACE
Design Solutions:
Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility.
Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations.
Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games.
Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting.
Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave.
Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it.
In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section.
For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall.
Final Thoughts:
The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities.
The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

When one thinks about being in the Hamptons great restaurants and outdoor dining comes hand in hand. The trend for that lifestyle began to unfold in one's own backyard. Why stand in line at your favorite restaurant and await friends to gather when you can build that approach in your own backyard living space. Its been trendy, now home like and on everyone's wishlist. The ability to cook and entertain outdoors successfully. Oddly enough clean up is a also a snap when the Outdoor Kitchen is aligned accordingly. Trash pulls, recyclable bins, dishwashers, utility cabinets and workstation sinks help maintain the task of cleaning up can be accomplished outdoors avoiding the use of the indoor personal kitchen space.
It takes a visionary and experienced mind to design and build this type of outdoor kitchen and dining space with roof cover overhead. Many Outdoor Kitchen ideas molded into one lifestyle. It also takes a tremendous amount of time and includes the use of talented and professional contractors and vendors. The results so so worth it. See firsthand this amazing and complimentary space upgrading the lifestyle of the entire feel of the home. A great way to welcome friends and family celebrating life's most precious moments outdoors in your own backyard living space.

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015.
“No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”!
When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!”
The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island.
A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture.
The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space.
New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection.
Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud.
“The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud.
Designer: Scott Christensen
Photographer: Joe Nowak

My client's mother had a love for all things 60's, 70's & 80's. Her home was overflowing with original pieces in every corner, on every wall and in every nook and cranny. It was a crazy mish mosh of pieces and styles. When my clients decided to sell their parent's beloved home the task of making the craziness look welcoming seemed overwhelming but I knew that it was not only do-able but also had the potential to look absolutely amazing.
We did a massive, and when I say massive, I mean MASSIVE, decluttering including an estate sale, many donation runs and haulers. Then it was time to use the special pieces I had reserved, along with modern new ones, some repairs and fresh paint here and there to revive this special gem in Willow Glen, CA for a new home owner to love.

When Sara Mosele Interiors, an innovative architecture/interior design studio in New York, was tasked with transforming a client’s new one-bedroom apartment in the Chelsea section of New York into his dream home, she jumped at the chance to merge her “design with a human touch” philosophy with her Italian sensibility. The client, a young Italian, was a first-time buyer who wanted to transition from his eclectic rental look to a sophisticated, sustainable aesthetic that was both warm and contemporary. Sara mobilized her team to create a functional yet stylish environment that will remain timeless.
Sara knew the apartment had good bones in an old building with character. The apartment needed minimal upgrades. The footprint was functional, the wooden floors were in good condition. and the kitchen and bathroom required no major chamges. Sara and team were able to plunge into the design, using color, shape and texture to make a new statement, The walls became a neutral canvas in each room. The living room, for example, was painted a soft gray against which an abstract painting with bright red and blue colors became the inspiration for the selection of a bright blue chair and ottoman in boucle, blue pillows on an off-white modular sofa, and complementary red and blue rugs.
The goal was to work with high-end modern Italian brands --- Flexform, Vitra, Molteni &C, among them ---selected in sizes that match the proportions of the rooms. A challenge throughout was the need for more lighting which was addressed creatively with an abstract chandelier in the living room and a similar modern look over a sleek metal table in the dining room where rust-colored chairs edge the metal table. Three modern light fixtures also are placed over the sink in the kitchen
The bedroom also juxtaposes a brown headboard and a whimsical taupe side table by Vitra with sections that rotate, creating contrast against a creamy beige bedspread and wall color. A custom-made wardrobe serves as a focal piece and valuable storage space.

Presenting another completed kitchen remodeling project with a stunning transformation that has modernized and improved the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space. The project involved a complete overhaul of the kitchen space including new flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and lighting. The flooring is a beautiful, durable hardwood that adds warmth and texture to the space. The cabinets are sleek and modern, white in color with clean lines and a glossy finish. The countertops are made of high-quality quartz, providing a durable and low-maintenance surface for food preparation and cooking. The lighting is strategically placed throughout the space, providing both task and ambient lighting that can be adjusted to suit any mood or occasion. The overall color scheme is a sophisticated blend of neutrals, with shades of white, wood, and black dominating the palette. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere, making the kitchen feel more spacious and inviting. The completed kitchen remodeling project is a beautiful and functional space that has exceeded expectations. It is the perfect blend of style and practicality, making it a pleasure to cook, entertain, and spend time in.

My client's mother had a love for all things 60's, 70's & 80's. Her home was overflowing with original pieces in every corner, on every wall and in every nook and cranny. It was a crazy mish mosh of pieces and styles. When my clients decided to sell their parent's beloved home the task of making the craziness look welcoming seemed overwhelming but I knew that it was not only do-able but also had the potential to look absolutely amazing.
We did a massive, and when I say massive, I mean MASSIVE, decluttering including an estate sale, many donation runs and haulers. Then it was time to use the special pieces I had reserved, along with modern new ones, some repairs and fresh paint here and there to revive this special gem in Willow Glen, CA for a new home owner to love.

Depending on your kitchen layout, island sinks can save you space and functionality. One of the main reasons for the main sink in the island is how much time you spend at the sink. If you tend to socialize more in the kitchen while doing tasks, island sinks may be for you! Since this was a family home reno project, a ton of interaction will take place in this area! We made sure to create an inviting space along with Etch Design Group.
There was a full gut of the kitchen. This included all cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash. The main focus in this kitchen part of the reno was moving the sink location from the wall to the newly installed island. The new layout included new cabinets painted a beautiful shade of timeless white, on top of those polished Statuario quartz countertops with light veining were installed. These new custom cabinets were customized to the homeowners' specifications for her kitchenware items.
Electrically, we installed 6 new LED recessed canned lights and added new outlets to the island to add more lighting in the home.

Transitional/ Modern kitchen transformation designed pass the test of time. Finest solid Maple caabinets custom made locally. Subtle grey granite coutertops with fascinating natural pattern. Hand modeled white toned backsplash. Wood in Maple planks on ceiling to match cabinets. Oak flooring. Lighting in micro small recessed on ceiling, under cabinet lighting for tasks, accent lignting for peninsula and island in blown blue glass.

These homeowners decided to downsize in their retirement years and move closer to family, which turned their eye toward their long-time rental home in central Corvallis. This 1,000 Square Foot home was in good condition but needed many upgrades to make it more energy- and space-efficient. The design, planning, and remodeling of this compact home were completed before and during the sale of the clients’ large historic property elsewhere in Oregon, in preparation for their move. The space originally included a closed-off kitchen, a dated bathroom, and three small bedrooms. The remodel joined two bedrooms into a large Primary Bedroom, leaving the remaining bedroom as a multi-use Office and Guest Room. Our team renovated the unfinished garage, air-sealed the entire home to lower energy costs, and replaced all of the windows and doors with better U-value models. We created a full-access laundry closet, brightened the entryway with new windows, installed new wood ceiling beams, and added a mail center complete with a mail slot. A highlight of the project is the Kitchen remodel, which opened up the Kitchen to the Living Room by removing a portion of wall. The new Rocky Coast Gray cabinetry contrasts against the rich wood tones of the flooring and Alder wood accents throughout the room. Plenty of space was designed for storage, prep, cooking, and serving, including a small coffee nook with its own window near the refrigerator. Two new skylights were added to the Kitchen ceiling, as well as new overhead recessed lighting and under-cabinet dimmable LED lighting for task lighting. The home’s single bathroom was also remodeled to create accessible features, and includes a new sun tunnel in the ceiling to dramatically brighten the room and highlight the stunning new tile installation. We wish these clients many wonderful years enjoying this home with their family!

The task was to create a comfortable living room, where client will spend time with his family, read books, watch movies. This is the central open living area of the apartment.

Our clients, a vibrant young family with two energetic kids and a playful dog, were feeling the constraints of their outdated, cramped house. The Main Floor was divided by walls, fragmenting the Kitchen, Dining Room, and living areas, making family time and entertaining a bit of a struggle.
The Kitchen was small and dim, lacking counter space and storage. The kids' study/play table was squeezed into a tight corner, emphasizing the lack of space. The dark hardwood floors were scratched and worn, and the foyer felt cramped and uninviting. The powder room was also
The idea of a major renovation brought both excitement and a bit of anxiety. The couple was unsure about design decisions and worried about the challenges of dealing with structural columns and beams.
Collaborating with Sosna designer Camila, the family embarked on a journey to transform their outdated house into a bright, functional home.
To open up the space, walls were removed, creating a seamless flow between the foyer, living room, dining room, and kitchen.
The kitchen was relocated and expanded to include generous counter space and a large island, providing the ideal spot for the kids to help prepare meals—a task they’ve come to enjoy since the renovation—or work on their homework. Additionally, the addition of a cozy window bench offers extra seating for hanging out with the family. It’s also the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
The once dark and gloomy powder room was completely refreshed with new fixtures, a white oak vanity, and beautiful floor tiles, which significantly brightened it up.
Additionally, the dark hardwood floors were replaced with a lighter, more modern option, brightening the entire main floor.
The renovation wasn't without its hiccups. A mix-up with the hardwood flooring led to a last-minute scramble for a replacement. But in the end, the family fell in love with the new flooring, proving that sometimes unexpected changes can lead to even better outcomes.
The renovation completely transformed the home. What was once a cramped and segmented main floor is now a bright, open space perfectly suited to the family's lifestyle. The new kitchen island became the heart of the home, providing a place for the kids to do homework while their parents cooked, fostering a sense of togetherness. The open layout also made hosting gatherings effortless.
Throughout the renovation, the kids and their dog brought a playful energy to the construction site, forming a special bond with the crew. Despite the challenges of living through a renovation, the family managed to maintain a sense of normalcy, working from home when possible and appreciating the crew's efforts to keep things tidy.
What started as a simple update turned into a full-scale transformation that reflects the family’s needs and personal style. Their willingness to embrace bold design choices, such as blush pink tiles and bright floral patterns, adds a unique touch to the space. And that hardwood flooring mix-up? It turned out to be a happy accident, resulting in a floor they love even more.
In the end, this renovation was more than just a home makeover; it was about creating a space that truly feels like home, nurturing family connections, and bringing joy to everyday life.
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