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

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

DESIGN: Astro Design Centre - Ottawa, Canada Photo @JVLPHOTO The couple are huge traditionalist, so Astro chose a detailing in the frame that evokes a very classic feel, and beautiful detail. The darker island was chosen to break the cappuccino-coloured perimeter cabinetry up from being all uniform. This classic stained walnut island is in the centre of the kitchen - stands out, yet doesn’t draw attention away from the beautiful stove wall. That detailing added an extra personal touch to the backsplash and a bit of old world charm.

Example of a classic 3/4 black and white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor alcove shower design with a two-piece toilet, white walls, a pedestal sink, a hinged shower door and a niche

In this charming Dutch Colonial, our clients wanted modern touches while preserving the home’s century-old character. To honor the home’s history, we preserved the original hardwood floors and introduced all-new inset white oak cabinetry—some stained black for depth and durability, others left in a lighter stain for warmth—paired with honed Calacatta Oro Terra marble countertops. In the dining area, a full-height glass cabinet features distinctive iron-framed glass doors with LED interior lighting. The kitchen functions as both a culinary workspace and a social hub, anchored by a sculptural banquette island and accented with dark bronze and iron finishes. Phantom screens surround the new covered patio, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. Rooted in tradition and elevated through design, this home is made for gathering, celebrating, and savoring life together.

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

A growing family, a rambling Georgian estate. The question: how to imbue tradition with a fresh spirit? The charge was to maintain the idea of old school charm without the interior feeling just… old. An illustration could be found in picture molding (which we added, then painted to disappear into the walls) or a modern plaster sculpture teetering upon an old barrister bookcase. Charm, with a wink. Photography by John Bessler

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

Inspiration for a large timeless 3/4 black and white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor, multicolored floor and single-sink alcove shower remodel with a two-piece toilet, white walls, a pedestal sink and a hinged shower door

Interior designer Emily Hughes, IIDA, helped her clients from Florida create a light and airy feel for their Iowa City town house. The couple requested a casual, elegant style incorporating durable, cleanable finishes, fabrics and furnishings. Artwork, rugs, furnishings, window treatments and interior design by Emily Hughes at The Mansion. The floors are a maple stained in a warm gray-brown, provided by Grays Hardwood. Tile/Stone and carpets: Randy's Carpets. Kitchen, bath and bar cabinets/counter tops: Kitchens by Design. Builder/Developer: Jeff Hendrickson. Lighting/Fans: Light Expressions by Shaw. Paint: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Photography: Jaimy Ellis.

Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in Miami

In this charming Dutch Colonial, our clients wanted modern touches while preserving the home’s century-old character. To honor the home’s history, we preserved the original hardwood floors and introduced all-new inset white oak cabinetry—some stained black for depth and durability, others left in a lighter stain for warmth—paired with honed Calacatta Oro Terra marble countertops. In the dining area, a full-height glass cabinet features distinctive iron-framed glass doors with LED interior lighting. The kitchen functions as both a culinary workspace and a social hub, anchored by a sculptural banquette island and accented with dark bronze and iron finishes. Phantom screens surround the new covered patio, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. Rooted in tradition and elevated through design, this home is made for gathering, celebrating, and savoring life together.

Cameron McMurtrey Photography
Example of a large classic l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor home design design with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Cameron McMurtrey Photography
Example of a large classic l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Example of an eclectic dining room design in Boston

Cameron McMurtrey Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops