This collaboration was with a return client, who wanted to completely restore and renovate her over 100-year-old Victorian. It was key for the homeowner maintained the original footprint of the home with full front to back views of the sound. A contemporary vision translated into slab doors in a navy high-gloss finish for the island and smoky white for the perimeter and upper cabinetry. Simple, satin nickel contemporary hardware reiterates the linear elements throughout. Interior detailing features rich walnut to complement the herringbone floors. The custom hood is hammered stainless steel to play off the plinth block island legs. The undeniable focal point is the stunning Calacatta Corchia marble selected for the countertops and full-height backsplash and walls. The lighting is a unique, suspended adjustable LED fixture. The twin side-by-side Sub-Zero Pro Fridge/Freezer columns include a glass front to highlight interior storage. The Wolf 60" range with pro handles features 2 30" full-size ovens, 6 burners, and a double griddle. The retractable doors in the wet bar cleverly close to hide the sink and bottle storage. The many windows bring lots of light into the space to make it a warm and inviting place to entertain friends and family.

The color scheme of the inside of the house has translated to the outside living spaces with accents of turquoise and blues. Photography: Claudia Uribe

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW A tired primary bathroom, with varying ceiling heights and a beige-on-beige color scheme, was screaming for love. Squaring the room and adding natural materials erased the memory of the lack luster space and converted it to a bright and welcoming spa oasis. The home was a new build in 2005 and it looked like all the builder’s material choices remained. The client was clear on their design direction but were challenged by the differing ceiling heights and were looking to hire a design-build firm that could resolve that issue. This local Glen Ellyn couple found us on Instagram (@kitchenstudioge, follow us ?). They loved our designs and felt like we fit their style. They requested a full primary bath renovation to include a large shower, soaking tub, double vanity with storage options, and heated floors. The wife also really wanted a separate make-up vanity. The biggest challenge presented to us was to architecturally marry the various ceiling heights and deliver a streamlined design. The existing layout worked well for the couple, so we kept everything in place, except we enlarged the shower and replaced the built-in tub with a lovely free-standing model. We also added a sitting make-up vanity. We were able to eliminate the awkward ceiling lines by extending all the walls to the highest level. Then, to accommodate the sprinklers and HVAC, lowered the ceiling height over the entrance and shower area which then opens to the 2-story vanity and tub area. Very dramatic! This high-end home deserved high-end fixtures. The homeowners also quickly realized they loved the look of natural marble and wanted to use as much of it as possible in their new bath. They chose a marble slab from the stone yard for the countertops and back splash, and we found complimentary marble tile for the shower. The homeowners also liked the idea of mixing metals in their new posh bathroom and loved the look of black, gold, and chrome. Although our clients were very clear on their style, they were having a difficult time pulling it all together and envisioning the final product. As interior designers it is our job to translate and elevate our clients’ ideas into a deliverable design. We presented the homeowners with mood boards and 3D renderings of our modern, clean, white marble design. Since the color scheme was relatively neutral, at the homeowner’s request, we decided to add of interest with the patterns and shapes in the room. We were first inspired by the shower floor tile with its circular/linear motif. We designed the cabinetry, floor and wall tiles, mirrors, cabinet pulls, and wainscoting to have a square or rectangular shape, and then to create interest we added perfectly placed circles to contrast with the rectangular shapes. The globe shaped chandelier against the square wall trim is a delightful yet subtle juxtaposition. The clients were overjoyed with our interpretation of their vision and impressed with the level of detail we brought to the project. It’s one thing to know how you want a space to look, but it takes a special set of skills to create the design and see it thorough to implementation. Could hiring The Kitchen Studio be the first step to making your home dreams come to life?

This collaboration was with a return client, who wanted to completely restore and renovate her over 100-year-old Victorian. It was key for the homeowner maintained the original footprint of the home with full front to back views of the sound. A contemporary vision translated into slab doors in a navy high-gloss finish for the island and smoky white for the perimeter and upper cabinetry. Simple, satin nickel contemporary hardware reiterates the linear elements throughout. Interior detailing features rich walnut to complement the herringbone floors. The custom hood is hammered stainless steel to play off the plinth block island legs. The undeniable focal point is the stunning Calacatta Corchia marble selected for the countertops and full-height backsplash and walls. The lighting is a unique, suspended adjustable LED fixture. The twin side-by-side Sub-Zero Pro Fridge/Freezer columns include a glass front to highlight interior storage. The Wolf 60" range with pro handles features 2 30" full-size ovens, 6 burners, and a double griddle. The retractable doors in the wet bar cleverly close to hide the sink and bottle storage. The many windows bring lots of light into the space to make it a warm and inviting place to entertain friends and family.

Custom kitchen with Heath Ceramics and Caesarstone
Example of a large mountain style u-shaped wood ceiling open concept kitchen design in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”

This homeowner lived on a very prominent golf course and wanted to feel like he was on the putting green of the 9th hole while standing at his family room window. The existing layout of the home had the garage enjoying that view with the outdated dining room, family room and kitchen further back on the lot. We completely demoed the garage and a section of the home, allowing us to design and build with that view in mind. The completed project has the family room at the back of the home with a gorgeous view of the golf course from two large curved bay windows. A new fireplace with custom cabinetry and shelf niches and coffered high ceilings makes this room a treasure. The new kitchen boasts of white painted cabinetry, an island with wood top and a 6 burner Wolf cooktop with a custom hood, white tile with multiple trim details and a pot filler faucet. A Butler’s Pantry was added for entertaining complete with beautiful white painted cabinetry with glass upper cabinets, marble countertops and a prep sink and faucet. We converted an unused dining room into a custom, high-end home office with beautiful site- built mahogany bookcases to showcase the homeowners book collections. To complete this renovation, we added a “friends” entry and a mudroom for improved access and functionality. The transformation is not only efficient but aesthetically pleasing to the eye and exceeded the homeowner’s expectations to enjoy their view of the 9th hole.

The small Japanese-style room or "nihonma" is enclosed by "yukimi" style shoji screens. "Yukimi" translates as "snow viewing" and means that the screens can open vertically as well as horizontally. The tatami floor mats were custom made by Uota Tatami Mats. The tea table, constructed by Sakaguchi-san, is made of cherry wood. There is a recess in the center of the table covered by a piece of wood matching the table top. When the cover is removed, a portable electric or gas burner can be placed there to boil tea or make a hot pot.

This amazing John’s Island custom home epitomizes Lowcountry living with a large front porch, backyard entertainment spaces, views of the intercoastal waterways and charming design elements that invite you into the space. With solid construction, Gable brackets, Jeld-Wen impact rated dark bronze vinyl windows, white Hardie siding, the homeowners are ready for any type of Coastal weather. The custom exterior details translate seamlessly into the interior of the home. Some of the high-end design choices include crown molding, shiplap, cable hand rails on the stairs, unique built-ins in the living room which are mimicked on the ceiling of the master, custom cedar barn doors, floating countertops made from solid hickory live edge wood, Carrera marble tile, electronic valve-controlled showers, and a shiplap kitchen hood. As entertainers, the homeowners embraced the concept of combining two living spaces into one, which was made possible by installing a PGT sliding door. These doors slide back into themselves, opening up the indoors to the outdoor deck space with fireplace. Guests also enjoy waterway views made possible by the Juliet balcony off the front bedroom of the home, and the very large man-cave under the home. Take a look at this amazing home designed in conjunction with Vinyet Architecture and interior styling by Polish Pop Design. Drone Photography & Video by Nick Holzworth at 5th Spark

We had a few problems to solve during the gut remodel of this Midcentury kitchen. First, in order to put the dishwasher next to the sink, we had to move the peninsula to the left a bit. Then we hid the microwave by placing it under the peninsula--no one needs to see a big microwave on the counter! We chose a subtle light fixture with black accents to balance the volume of the larger fixture in the dining room, and to match with the faucet. We kept the pulls modern and simple. Kitchen accessories from West Elm, World Market and Nickey Kehoe, rug by Target. Kitchen and dining room staging by Allison Scheff of Distinctive Kitchens. Photos by Wynne H Earle

This collaboration was with a return client, who wanted to completely restore and renovate her over 100-year-old Victorian. It was key for the homeowner maintained the original footprint of the home with full front to back views of the sound. A contemporary vision translated into slab doors in a navy high-gloss finish for the island and smoky white for the perimeter and upper cabinetry. Simple, satin nickel contemporary hardware reiterates the linear elements throughout. Interior detailing features rich walnut to complement the herringbone floors. The custom hood is hammered stainless steel to play off the plinth block island legs. The undeniable focal point is the stunning Calacatta Corchia marble selected for the countertops and full-height backsplash and walls. The lighting is a unique, suspended adjustable LED fixture. The twin side-by-side Sub-Zero Pro Fridge/Freezer columns include a glass front to highlight interior storage. The Wolf 60" range with pro handles features 2 30" full-size ovens, 6 burners, and a double griddle. The retractable doors in the wet bar cleverly close to hide the sink and bottle storage. The many windows bring lots of light into the space to make it a warm and inviting place to entertain friends and family.

This amazing John’s Island custom home epitomizes Lowcountry living with a large front porch, backyard entertainment spaces, views of the intercoastal waterways and charming design elements that invite you into the space. With solid construction, Gable brackets, Jeld-Wen impact rated dark bronze vinyl windows, white Hardie siding, the homeowners are ready for any type of Coastal weather. The custom exterior details translate seamlessly into the interior of the home. Some of the high-end design choices include crown molding, shiplap, cable hand rails on the stairs, unique built-ins in the living room which are mimicked on the ceiling of the master, custom cedar barn doors, floating countertops made from solid hickory live edge wood, Carrera marble tile, electronic valve-controlled showers, and a shiplap kitchen hood. As entertainers, the homeowners embraced the concept of combining two living spaces into one, which was made possible by installing a PGT sliding door. These doors slide back into themselves, opening up the indoors to the outdoor deck space with fireplace. Guests also enjoy waterway views made possible by the Juliet balcony off the front bedroom of the home, and the very large man-cave under the home. Take a look at this amazing home designed in conjunction with Vinyet Architecture and interior styling by Polish Pop Design. Drone Photography & Video by Nick Holzworth at 5th Spark

We choose to highlight this project because even though it is a more traditional design style its light neutral color palette represents the beach lifestyle of the south bay. Our relationship with this family started when they attended one of our complimentary educational seminars to learn more about the design / build approach to remodeling. They had been working with an architect and were having trouble getting their vision to translate to the plans. They were looking to add on to their south Redondo home in a manner that would allow for seamless transition between their indoor and outdoor space. Design / Build ended up to be the perfect solution to their remodeling need. As the project started coming together and our clients were able to visualize their dream, they trusted us to add the adjacent bathroom remodel as a finishing touch. In keeping with our light and warm palette we selected ocean blue travertine for the floor and installed a complimentary tile wainscot. The tile wainscot is comprised of hand-made ceramic crackle tile accented with Lunada Bay Selenium Silk blend glass mosaic tile. However the piéce de résistance is the frameless shower enclosure with a wave cut top.

George Oakley
Trendy open concept concrete floor living room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls and a hanging fireplace

Collaborated with Donna Mancini Staging & Redesign. Photographor: Graham Martin -Ancient City Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic home design design in Jacksonville

The design approach was to reinterpret the historical vernacular into a more contemporary, clean expression of time-honored southwestern characteristics of lean, horizontal massing that is integrated into the landscape, while celebrating distant views. It’s a translation of the language of centuries-old southwestern design into modern-day spatial simplicity, sculptural form, and honest materials. Various massings and planes are pushed and pulled apart to allow natural light to wash the interior in unique, unexpected ways. The character of the home is distinctly contemporary, which accentuates and focuses attention on the organic features of the land, which are embraced by the architecture. By adhering to, yet abstracting, the underlying principles of the southwestern building tradition, with its lean simplicity, the architecture allows the views to the natural environment to dominate. The contrast between the manmade architecture and natural scenery complements both.

This amazing John’s Island custom home epitomizes Lowcountry living with a large front porch, backyard entertainment spaces, views of the intercoastal waterways and charming design elements that invite you into the space. With solid construction, Gable brackets, Jeld-Wen impact rated dark bronze vinyl windows, white Hardie siding, the homeowners are ready for any type of Coastal weather. The custom exterior details translate seamlessly into the interior of the home. Some of the high-end design choices include crown molding, shiplap, cable hand rails on the stairs, unique built-ins in the living room which are mimicked on the ceiling of the master, custom cedar barn doors, floating countertops made from solid hickory live edge wood, Carrera marble tile, electronic valve-controlled showers, and a shiplap kitchen hood. As entertainers, the homeowners embraced the concept of combining two living spaces into one, which was made possible by installing a PGT sliding door. These doors slide back into themselves, opening up the indoors to the outdoor deck space with fireplace. Guests also enjoy waterway views made possible by the Juliet balcony off the front bedroom of the home, and the very large man-cave under the home. Take a look at this amazing home designed in conjunction with Vinyet Architecture and interior styling by Polish Pop Design. Drone Photography & Video by Nick Holzworth at 5th Spark

This collaboration was with a return client, who wanted to completely restore and renovate her over 100-year-old Victorian. It was key for the homeowner maintained the original footprint of the home with full front to back views of the sound. A contemporary vision translated into slab doors in a navy high-gloss finish for the island and smoky white for the perimeter and upper cabinetry. Simple, satin nickel contemporary hardware reiterates the linear elements throughout. Interior detailing features rich walnut to complement the herringbone floors. The custom hood is hammered stainless steel to play off the plinth block island legs. The undeniable focal point is the stunning Calacatta Corchia marble selected for the countertops and full-height backsplash and walls. The lighting is a unique, suspended adjustable LED fixture. The twin side-by-side Sub-Zero Pro Fridge/Freezer columns include a glass front to highlight interior storage. The Wolf 60" range with pro handles features 2 30" full-size ovens, 6 burners, and a double griddle. The retractable doors in the wet bar cleverly close to hide the sink and bottle storage. The many windows bring lots of light into the space to make it a warm and inviting place to entertain friends and family.

When you open the back doors of the home of Nancy and Jeremy Campbell in Granville, you don’t just step out onto a patio. You enter an extension of a modern living space that just happens to be outdoors. Their patio’s unique design and setting provides the comfort and style of indoors while enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air of outdoors. It all started with a rather desolate back yard. “It was completely blank, there was nothing back there,” Nancy remembers of the patio space of this 1972 split-level house they bought five years ago. With a blank slate to work with, the Campbells knew the key elements of what they wanted for their new outdoor space when they sat down with Travis Ketron of Ketron Custom Builders to design it. “We knew we wanted something covered so we could use it in the rain, and in the winter, and we knew we wanted a stone fireplace,” Nancy recalls. Travis translated the Campbells’ vision into a design to satisfy outdoor entertaining and relaxing desires in all seasons. The new outdoor space is reminiscent of a vast, rustic great room complete with a stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and ceiling fans, yet no walls. The space is completely open to the elements without any glass or doors on any of the sides, except from the house. Furnished like a great room, with a built-in music system as well, it’s truly an extension of indoor living and entertaining space, and one that is unaffected by rain. Jeremy comments, “We haven’t had to cover the furniture yet. It would have to be a pretty strong wind to get wet.” Just outside the covered patio is a quartet of outdoor chairs adorned with plush cushions and colorful pillows, positioned perfectly for users to bask in the sun. In the design process, the fireplace emerged as the anchor of the space and set the stage for the outdoor space both aesthetically and functionally. “We didn’t want it to block the view. Then designing the space with Travis, the fireplace became the center,” remembers Jeremy. Placed directly across from the two sets of French doors leading out from the house, a Rumford fireplace and extended hearth of stone in neutral earth tones is the focal point of this outdoor living room. Seating for entertaining and lounging falls easily into place around it providing optimal viewing of the private, wooded back yard. When temperatures cool off, the fireplace provides ample warmth and a cozy setting to experience the change of seasons. “It’s a great fireplace for the space,” Jeremy says of the unique design of a Rumford style fireplace. “The way you stack the wood in the fireplace is different so as to get more heat. It has a shallower box, burns hotter and puts off more heat. Wood is placed in it vertically, not stacked.” Just in case the fireplace doesn’t provide enough light for late-night soirees, there is additional outdoor lighting mounted from the ceiling to make sure the party always goes on. Travis brought the idea of the Rumford outdoor fireplace to the Campbells. “I learned about it a few years back from some masons, and I was intrigued by the idea then,” he says. “We like to do stuff that’s out of the norm, and this fireplace fits the space and function very well.” Travis adds, “People want unique things that are designed for them. That’s our style to do that for them.” The patio also extends out to an uncovered area set up with patio tables for grilling and dining. Gray pavers flow throughout from the covered space to the open-air area. Their continuous flow mimics the feel of flooring that extends from a living room into a dining room inside a home. Also, the earth tone colors throughout the space on the pavers, fireplace and furnishings help the entire space mesh nicely with its natural surroundings. A little ways off from both the covered and uncovered patio area is a stone fire pit ring. Removed by just the right distance, it provides a separate place for young adults to gather and enjoy the night. Adirondack chairs and matching tables surround the outdoor fire pit, offering seating for anyone who doesn’t wish to stand and a place to set down ingredients for yummy fireside treats like s’mores. Padded chairs outside the reach of the pavilion and the nearby umbrella the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun. The colorful throw pillows and outdoor furniture cushions add some needed color and a touch of personality. Enjoying the comforts of indoors while being outdoors is exactly what the Campbells are doing now, particularly when lounging on the comfortable wicker furniture that dominate most of the area. “My favorite part of the whole thing is the fireplace,” Nancy says. Jeremy concludes, “There is no television, it would destroy the ambiance out there. We just enjoy listening to music and watching the fire.”