A charming 1920s colonial had a dated dark kitchen that was not in keeping with the historic charm of the home. The owners, who adored British design, wanted a kitchen that was spacious and storage friendly, with the feel of a classic English kitchen. Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped her client, while architect Greg Lewis redesigned the home to accommodate a larger kitchen, new primary bath, mudroom, and butlers pantry. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

ASID Design Excellence First Place Residential – Best Individual Room (Traditional): This dining room was created by Michael Merrill Design Studio to reflect the client’s desire for having a gracious and warm space based on a Santa Fe aesthetic. We worked closely with her to create the custom staircase she envisioned. Photos © Paul Dyer Photography

A contemporary spa escape with stone walls and wood finishes.
Large minimalist master stone tile and white tile medium tone wood floor bathroom photo in Chicago with a one-piece toilet, a vessel sink, multicolored walls, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and wood countertops

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

Example of a classic dark wood floor and brown floor entryway design in Boston with white walls and a white front door

Originally built in 1970, this later-model Eichler—designed by architect Claude Oakland—features a distinctive “Model 14” roofline with a clipped gable, a subtle nod to the charm of English thatch-roof cottages. Acquired from the original owner, the home remained in untouched, original condition—offering a rare opportunity for restoration, but also presenting an urgent need for updates. Our approach was grounded in respect for Oakland’s original design intent, while thoughtfully incorporating essential upgrades to meet modern building codes and today’s lifestyle expectations. Eichler homes were originally built using modest, cost-effective materials to make modern architecture accessible to the growing mid-century middle class. While iconic, elements like laminate countertops, particle board cabinetry, and vinyl composition tile flooring haven’t stood the test of time. We carefully replaced these with more durable, high-quality alternatives—granite countertops, maple-ply cabinets, and luxury vinyl tile—ensuring the home remains true to its spirit while standing strong for decades to come. All images © Ken Gutmaker

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

Well-traveled. Relaxed. Timeless. Our well-traveled clients were soon-to-be empty nesters when they approached us for help reimagining their Presidio Heights home. The expansive Spanish-Revival residence originally constructed in 1908 had been substantially renovated 8 year prior, but needed some adaptations to better suit the needs of a family with three college-bound teens. We evolved the space to be a bright, relaxed reflection of the family’s time together, revising the function and layout of the ground-floor rooms and filling them with casual, comfortable furnishings and artifacts collected abroad. One of the key changes we made to the space plan was to eliminate the formal dining room and transform an area off the kitchen into a casual gathering spot for our clients and their children. The expandable table and coffee/wine bar means the room can handle large dinner parties and small study sessions with similar ease. The family room was relocated from a lower level to be more central part of the main floor, encouraging more quality family time, and freeing up space for a spacious home gym. In the living room, lounge-worthy upholstery grounds the space, encouraging a relaxed and effortless West Coast vibe. Exposed wood beams recall the original Spanish-influence, but feel updated and fresh in a light wood stain. Throughout the entry and main floor, found artifacts punctate the softer textures — ceramics from New Mexico, religious sculpture from Asia and a quirky wall-mounted phone that belonged to our client’s grandmother.

Transitional home bar photo in Boston

Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Photography by John Merkl.
Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, concrete countertops, multicolored backsplash, an island and gray countertops

Well-traveled. Relaxed. Timeless. Our well-traveled clients were soon-to-be empty nesters when they approached us for help reimagining their Presidio Heights home. The expansive Spanish-Revival residence originally constructed in 1908 had been substantially renovated 8 year prior, but needed some adaptations to better suit the needs of a family with three college-bound teens. We evolved the space to be a bright, relaxed reflection of the family’s time together, revising the function and layout of the ground-floor rooms and filling them with casual, comfortable furnishings and artifacts collected abroad. One of the key changes we made to the space plan was to eliminate the formal dining room and transform an area off the kitchen into a casual gathering spot for our clients and their children. The expandable table and coffee/wine bar means the room can handle large dinner parties and small study sessions with similar ease. The family room was relocated from a lower level to be more central part of the main floor, encouraging more quality family time, and freeing up space for a spacious home gym. In the living room, lounge-worthy upholstery grounds the space, encouraging a relaxed and effortless West Coast vibe. Exposed wood beams recall the original Spanish-influence, but feel updated and fresh in a light wood stain. Throughout the entry and main floor, found artifacts punctate the softer textures — ceramics from New Mexico, religious sculpture from Asia and a quirky wall-mounted phone that belonged to our client’s grandmother.

Kitchen remodel by Twin Cities design/build/remodel firm, White Birch Design. To see more examples of our work, visit www.whitebirchdesignllc.com
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

Interior Design: Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture & Design Architecture: Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture & Design Contractor: R. Keller Construction, Co. Custom Cabinetry: Custom Creations Marble: Atlas Marble Art & Venetian Plaster: Alternative Interiors Tile: Virtue Tile Design Fixtures: WaterWorks Photographer: Mike Van Tassell

With a little bit of love, you can transform your kitchen into a space you love to spend time in! Many people are so used to their surroundings that we don’t realize what a little bit of paint and new finishes can do to change a room. That’s exactly the case of this kitchen. Actually, the cabinetry was already refinished prior to us coming into the picture, our clients couldn’t wait! So, we had the opportunity to incorporate those finishing touches to really seal the deal of this space. Today, this kitchen is up-to-date and classic. It really will stand the test of time! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinets The cabinetry was already refinished prior to us doing our magic. But we love how the crisp and clean finishes of the cabinetry pairs so well with the new finishes and materials we incorporated. To elevate the cabinetry, we embellished the doors and drawers with 5 inch “Emerald” hardware from Top Knobs (TK288BSN). Countertops At first glance, you may have noticed we incorporated beautiful marble countertops to this space. So, what if we told you those countertops are not made of marble? Actually, not even close! These countertops are a beautiful 3cm Cambria quartz in the finish “Ironsbridge”. The specs of grey and veining in the countertops might have fooled you! We love the way it looks in this space. Backsplash Subway tiles have been around a long time. Still, we love the classic look of subway tile and our clients are always requesting it! A simple way to add interested to subway tile is to utilize tile with beveling, create a contrasting pattern, and add contrasting grout color, as we have done here. Here we have utilized a 3×6 Daltile Rittenhouse Square with beveled edges as the main tile. Then, over the range, we have framed the tile and changed the pattern to herringbone to add some pop! Fixtures The fixtures of this space are classically styled as well. From Blanco, we have the main sink in a Precis Super Single Bowl in White paired with an Atura kitchen faucet with pull-down spray in stainless steel. Then on the island, we have a Precis Medium Bowl in White and an Atura Pulldown bar faucet in stainless steel, also from Blanco.

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Photo by John Merkl
Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized mediterranean medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in San Francisco with white walls

Example of a classic enclosed dining room design in Chicago with red walls