Some spaces are best understood before and after. Our Carytown Kitchen project demonstrates how a small space can be transformed for minimal expense. First and foremost was maximizing space. With only 9 sf of built-in counter space we understood these work surfaces needed to be kept free of small appliances and clutter - and that meant extra storage. The introduction of high wall cabinets provides much needed storage for occasional use equipment and helps keep everything dust-free in the process. Photograph by Stephen Barling.

Raquel Bianca Creative
Inspiration for an eclectic kids' room remodel in New York

Example of a minimalist single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Alcove shower - mid-sized coastal multicolored tile and mosaic tile alcove shower idea in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet, white walls and an undermount sink

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

Down a private lane and sited on an oak studded lot, this charming Kott home has been transformed with contemporary finishes and clean line design. Vaulted ceilings create light filled spaces that open to outdoor living. Modern choices of Italian tiles combine with hardwood floors and newly installed carpets. Fireplaces in both the living and family room. Dining room with picture window to the garden. Kitchen with ample cabinetry, newer appliances and charming eat-in area. The floor plan includes a gracious upstairs master suite and two well-sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms downstairs. Solar, A/C, steel Future Roof and dual pane windows and doors all contribute to the energy efficiency of this modern design. Quality throughout allows you to move right and enjoy the convenience of a close-in location and the desirable Kentfield school district.

The breathtaking ocean views influenced the dramatic redesign of this water-front Poipu condo. The outdated condo was completely remodeled to allow full appreciation of the surrounding views, bring in a fresh new color palette, and modernize and update everything from the electrical wiring to the new luxury bath towels. The clients wanted the condo to feel “fun, happy, and cheerful,” and to stand apart from the typical vacation rental on Kauai. They wanted to turn this condo into the ultimate “beach house” that felt just as luxurious as the gorgeous natural surroundings. Fresh white ship-lap walls set the backdrop for this modern beach style, which is further enhanced with bold stripes, natural textures, and ocean-themed decor. The palette of cobalt, aqua and lichen green is fresh and vibrant against the neutral backdrop. Trina Turk’s “Peacock Print” was the inspiration fabric for the living and dining room. The print is so lively, colorful, and modern, and was the perfect place to start. Every custom detail was thoughtfully chosen to bring a sense of luxury and originality to the space. While some elements are whimsical, such as the playful octopus art & fish-themed fabric, other elements are sophisticated and classic, to help keep the design grounded. Special features include a custom-made “Moroccan Fish Scale” tile backsplash in the kitchen, crushed marble counter tops with oyster shells and float glass, and blue glass pendant lights, reminiscent of water bubbles.

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

Inspiration for an eclectic patio remodel in Sacramento

Haris Kenjar
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Cesar Rubio
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Patrick Reynolds
Inspiration for a contemporary blue two-story wood gable roof remodel in Auckland

Photo by Konstrukt Photo

  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

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

This project combines high end earthy elements with elegant, modern furnishings. We wanted to re invent the beach house concept and create an home which is not your typical coastal retreat. By combining stronger colors and textures, we gave the spaces a bolder and more permanent feel. Yet, as you travel through each room, you can't help but feel invited and at home.

While this kitchen is of modest dimensions, it features wonderful luxe effects such as the hand hammered Pewter sink and Italian made island table base - Tastefully designed, defying a style label, ensuring its enduring relevance.

Example of a mid-sized trendy white tile and porcelain tile gray floor and porcelain tile alcove bathtub design in Vancouver with medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door