Our clients on this project, a busy young North Vancouver family, requested that we incorporate some important inherited family heirloom pieces into their spaces while keeping to an otherwise modern aesthetic. In order to successfully mix furniture of different styles and periods we kept the wood tones and colour palette consistent, working primarily with walnut and charcoal greys and accenting with bright orange for a bit of fun. The mix of an heirloom walnut dining table with some mid-century dining chairs, a Nelson bubble light fixture, and a few nature inspired pieces like the tree stump tables, make for a finished space that is indeed very modern. Interior design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc., Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Ryan Day Thompson
Mountain style powder room photo in Other with a vessel sink and multicolored walls

Interior design by Kati Curtis Design http://www.katicurtisdesign.com/ Photography by Marco Ricca http://www.marcoriccastudio.com

Example of a mountain style bathroom design in Other with beige walls, a trough sink, shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Inspiration for a transitional marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

Chakra garden
Photo of an eclectic shade backyard stone landscaping in New York.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel with an integrated sink and an island

This double sink vanity features a bold and two-tone design with a dark countertop and bright white custom-cabinetry.
Bathroom - cottage wood-look tile floor, brown floor and double-sink bathroom idea in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, black countertops and a built-in vanity

Design by: Kelly & Stone Architects Contractor: Dover Development & Const. Cabinetry by: Fedewa Custom Works Photo by: Tim Stone Photography
Alcove shower - mid-sized contemporary 3/4 brown tile and mosaic tile porcelain tile and gray floor alcove shower idea in Denver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, beige walls, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and brown countertops

Art Collector's Pied-à-terre John M. Hall Photography
Example of a small trendy white tile and glass tile mosaic tile floor bathroom design in New York with a wall-mount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white walls and a one-piece toilet

Elegant dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Dallas with beige walls

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Remodel | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

A striking island occupies the center of a spacious kitchen in Bloomfield Hills. The HPL backed real wood veneer in Ebony Sabbiata from Tree Frog bridges the tonal distance between the walnut floors and all white cabinets and walls, creating harmony and visual balance. Full height backsplashes in shiny white are laid out in a windmill pattern, punctuated every so often with intricately designed accent squares. A combination of bold veining and delicate blooming on the Calacatta quartzite countertops contributes its subtle energy to the mix. The kitchen is separated into several independent vignettes, each one laid out symmetrically. The vast island with built in sink offers all the prep space a chef could need. The built in cooktop is centered directly behind to facilitate easy cooking, while an additional sink in the clean up area expedites after dinner chores. A walk-pantry and small home office are tucked in behind the refrigerator freezer wall. Multiple lighting details, including lighted cabinet interiors and a lighted display niche above the refrigerator, complete this stunning 2015 lake home.

Like many older homes, this Craftsman lacked a main level bathroom. Powder rooms are the perfect opportunity to introduce a bit of updated color and pattern to a traditional home - they seem to welcome a little whimsy. Here, a modern sink, a round faceted mirror, and a wall-mounted soap dispenser off set a traditional penny round tile pattern. And as an added twist, a contemporary color pallet was chosen, introducing a more transitional, updated look. In a powder room, don't hesitate to be a little bolder than you might typically be with your material, fixture, and color choices. Eric & Chelsea Eul Photography

Custom floating walnut console with tree stump end table.
Living room - small modern open concept dark wood floor living room idea in Toronto with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized coastal 3/4 concrete floor freestanding bathtub idea in Charleston with a vessel sink, open cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

With the floor to ceiling windows continuing through into the bathroom, and white details throughout, the room is airy and filled with light. The sink is repurposed from a commercial building and the custom zinc medicine cabinets are extra deep and outfitted with outlets so that the bathroom clutter is contained. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Jim Bartsch Photography
Mid-sized transitional gray tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor bathroom photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a wall-mount sink, a one-piece toilet, marble countertops and gray countertops