Search results for "Underutilized" in Home Design Ideas

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy.
The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style.
Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.
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This long-time family home was ready for a thoughtful evolution. Originally built years ago, the homeowners came to us seeking a comprehensive renovation that better reflected how they live today — entertaining frequently, welcoming their grown children home for holidays and summers, and desiring spaces that feel elevated, functional, and deeply personal. What began as a kitchen and bath update ultimately became a whole-home transformation, touching every floor — from the main living level to the bedroom floor and even the attic.
On the first floor, we completed a full gut renovation and thoughtful reconfiguration of the layout. Walls were removed — including a former pantry and powder room — to dramatically improve sightlines and flow between the kitchen and living room. The kitchen footprint was expanded to accommodate a generously sized island designed for gathering. A two-tone cabinetry palette establishes subtle zoning: Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue anchors the island and refrigerator surround, while White Tie brightens the perimeter cabinetry. Paneled appliances conceal the dishwasher and trash, while a stainless refrigerator adds balance and contrast. Antique brass hardware and oversized statement pendants layer in warmth and charm. Inside the cabinetry, custom storage solutions — from built-in spice racks and pull-out trays to a dedicated Tupperware drawer with lid dividers — ensure everything has its place.
The former dining room was reimagined as a full-service butler’s pantry, complete with a second prep sink, paneled beverage drawers, an ice maker, glass display cabinetry, and abundant storage. Two built-in desks and a bench create a flexible zone for puzzles, homework, or casual seating. By relocating coffee and cocktail service to this dedicated space, the main kitchen remains uncluttered — even during large gatherings.
The powder room was thoughtfully relocated to support the new layout and transformed into a jewel-box moment for guests. Schumacher’s Romantic Bosphorus mural wallpaper creates a hand-painted, immersive experience. A custom console vanity with a Carrara marble top and backsplash pairs beautifully with an antique brass wall-mounted faucet, layered with warm lighting and brass finishes for an unforgettable impression.
Beyond the kitchen, we opened up the living room and installed a custom bi-fold door system that seamlessly connects the interior to the screened-in porch, enhancing indoor-outdoor living. A bespoke music room was also created on the main level, complete with integrated soundproofing and custom cabinetry designed to house instruments, sheet music, a piano, and a concealed sound system — allowing the family’s love of music to be fully supported without visual clutter. Throughout the home, existing hardwood floors were refinished, and new decorative lighting and upgraded recessed lighting were installed to elevate both ambiance and functionality.
On the bedroom floor, every space received a refresh. Each bedroom was thoughtfully updated with custom wallpaper and wall coverings, while the shared bathroom was fully renovated to incorporate a highly functional laundry area. Durable finishes, smart storage solutions, and a clean layout ensure it works seamlessly for adult children when home while still serving daily needs year-round.
The primary bathroom was transformed into a serene retreat designed for daily restoration. A soft neutral palette and layered materials create a calming environment, while half of the space functions as a wet room where the tub and shower share one expansive area. Porcelain tile with a Calacatta marble look delivers timeless elegance without the maintenance of natural stone. Champagne Bronze fixtures complement natural cherry cabinetry — a nod to the homeowner’s passion for woodworking — and thoughtful recessed niches provide clean, hidden storage.
Even the attic was elevated to support modern living. Previously underutilized, the space was upgraded to serve as a dedicated home office for the homeowner, who works there daily. Improved lighting, finishes, and function transformed it into a productive and comfortable retreat tucked away from the main living areas.
Integrated technology plays a key role throughout the home. A Control4 smart home automation system was implemented to seamlessly manage sound, lighting, and comfort. Custom blinds, drapery, and upholstery were carefully coordinated and fabricated to complement each space, adding softness and cohesion from room to room.
This project represents more than a renovation — it is a full reimagining of how the home supports gathering, creativity, comfort, and daily life. Every floor was thoughtfully considered. Every space was elevated. And the result is a sophisticated yet welcoming home designed to serve this family beautifully for years to come.

The original home featured a dramatic two-story great room, but the layout no longer supported the family’s needs. With too few bedrooms and an undersized, outdated second-floor bathroom, the homeowners wanted a solution that would improve functionality, privacy, and comfort—without expanding the home’s footprint.
Our design approach focused on reclaiming underutilized vertical space while creating a refined, highly functional primary suite and enhancing key living areas throughout the home.

Underutilized space? A keen eye for design and a healthy passion (or obsession) for wine? It’s not every day that you see a luxury wine cellar in a luxe high-rise apartment building. Space is typically limited, and there is not room for expansion. Our client decided to transform space under his sweeping staircase to a clean and modern wine cellar. The Glenview Haus team devised a plan to provide our client with the full package! A temperature-controlled, modern wine cellar, complete with an insulated modern oak door.
Flexibility is one of our many strong suits as designers. We can adapt to any space and/or limitation. When our customer approached us with the idea of creating a modern wine cellar in this space, we jumped on the opportunity to measure and confirm this area could withhold his extensive wine collection. Once we determined our state-of-the-art cooling system would be compatible with this amount of square footage, we happily moved forward and provided all design details and guided this project from start to finish. From the inside out, we were able to provide our expertise on how to accomplish a timeless entity, with a modern twist.
This custom oak wine cellar was built to achieve a luxe design element in a chic downtown loft-style apartment. Adorned with a modern clear insulated glass door, guests are prompted to view the immaculate collection that our customer has to offer. Our goal in this project was to bring a sense cohesiveness to this new design element in our client’s home. We wanted to make sure that this space looked as though it has always been there! The first glimpse at the wine cellar is complemented with a custom oak wood modern door. This is the first impression that you are greeted by, and it does not disappoint. As you walk through the modern door, you enter a matching oak wood masterpiece that boasts several different design elements. Our custom wine racks display bottles in different directions, showing off each element of a wine bottle. Top-down, tilted back, or layered on top of each other in a diagonal cut out, regardless of how your wine is displayed, it is guaranteed to ‘wow’ in our custom oak cellar!

A classic Portland foursquare, lovingly owned by an active and lively family of four, had undergone some unfortunate previous renovations that were in desperate need of updating. A cramped kitchen layout, lacking countertop work space, non-functional appliance locations (the range was floating on it’s own!), cramped kitchen nook not large enough for eat-in space and therefor left underutilized, and a general lack of storage all needed to be addressed.
To increase functional space, we enclosed a small back porch and re-built the adjacent nook, folding in the square footage to create an expansive kitchen footprint. We relocated the back door and added a back deck while creating space for a mud bench for littles to tuck away their gear! The enlarged kitchen now boasts a extensive natural light thanks to the addition of several windows.
An easy work flow was created within the new kitchen layout featuring an in-island sink with range and hood flanked by matching windows. Custom cabinet accessories make storage a breeze and provide a space for all the necessities to be right at the homeowner’s fingertips. The eat-in kitchen space allows not only for lingering family chats, but homework and craft projects to be done while dinner simmers on the stove. This kitchen truly is the heart of this home!
All of the updates were completed with the home’s original foursquare architecture in mind. with a focus on classic architectural molding styles, traditional window details, and clean-lined classic fixtures. Youthfulness and modernity are infused into the space with the contemporary handmade tile backsplash, rich and timeless green cabinets, and artistic wallpaper with a whimsical floral print and subtle European nod. The custom range in cream and brass is a stunning showstopper and a testament that even the most functional of elements in a kitchen can still be beautiful! Which one is the star of the show? How do we pick just one?!

The detailed plans for this bathroom can be purchased here: https://www.changeyourbathroom.com/shop/felicitous-flora-bathroom-plans/
The original layout of this bathroom underutilized the spacious floor plan and had an entryway out into the living room as well as a poorly placed entry between the toilet and the shower into the master suite. The new floor plan offered more privacy for the water closet and cozier area for the round tub. A more spacious shower was created by shrinking the floor plan - by bringing the wall of the former living room entry into the bathroom it created a deeper shower space and the additional depth behind the wall offered deep towel storage. A living plant wall thrives and enjoys the humidity each time the shower is used. An oak wood wall gives a natural ambiance for a relaxing, nature inspired bathroom experience.

Kitchen in Alyssa Lane | Key Feature: A complete kitchen + living room transformation designed for a young, growing family who loved their home, but needed it to work harder and reflect their personality. The updated kitchen became the heart of the home, featuring a hidden smoothie station to keep daily essentials out of sight, plus a dedicated cocktail bar setup for entertaining. In the living room, the fireplace wall was fully reimagined by centering the previously cornered fireplace and creating a multifunctional media wall with custom furnishings and a statement chandelier. To top it off, the former formal dining room was transformed into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a black grasscloth backdrop, and a bold, elevated vibe perfect for hosting friends and family.
Challenge: This home belonged to a young couple with two small kids and a growing business, and while they loved the house itself, the spaces didn’t support the way they actually lived. The kitchen lacked function and storage, everyday routines (like smoothie-making) created visual clutter, and cocktail entertaining essentials were being shoved into the pantry with no dedicated space. The living room also felt awkward and unfinished due to the cornered fireplace, which made it difficult to create a centered, functional media wall. On top of that, the formal dining room wasn’t being used, leaving valuable square footage underutilized and disconnected from their lifestyle and personality.
Solution: We redesigned the home around how the family truly uses it day-to-day, focusing on function, personality, and elevated livability. In the kitchen, we created a modern, highly organized layout complete with a hidden smoothie station so daily supplies stay accessible but out of sight. For entertaining, we designed a dedicated bar area for Ryan, giving him a more inspired space to make cocktails without relying on pantry storage. In the living room, we centered the fireplace and fully revamped the feature wall into a multifunctional entertainment/media wall, then layered in custom furniture pieces and a statement chandelier to bring warmth and style. Finally, we converted the unused formal dining room into a bar lounge with custom brass shelving, a striking black grasscloth wall, and a sophisticated hangout space perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Budget: $100k-$150k |
Timeline: 4 months

Inspired by the ambiance of a whiskey speakeasy, this Lenexa, Kansas basement remodel was designed for homeowners who love to entertain. The finished basement features a color-drenched bar with deep blue cabinetry and matching tile, panel-ready refrigeration, a dishwasher drawer, and floating shelves with integrated LED lighting to display a curated whiskey collection.
To enhance entertaining, a new door was added to connect the basement directly to the screened-in porch, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for gatherings. Thoughtfully planned gathering spaces allow guests to move comfortably between the bar, lounge, and outdoor areas. Designed shortly after the homeowners moved into the property, this basement renovation transformed an underutilized lower level into a welcoming destination for hosting friends and family.

Previously fronting one of Wellesley’s busier streets, this home was reimagined to take advantage of an intimate neighborhood cul-de-sac road that sat along its underutilized rear boundary. After removal of an existing indoor pool, the new addition re-sited the front of the home along the cul-de-sac. The site was carefully planned and graded to allow for the new addition. The interior of the home incorporates a transitional hallway between the new addition and existing home, creating a unique feature that helps integrate the new addition with the existing home.

This classic Portland bungalow in the highly desirable Irvington neighborhood was in desperate need of a kitchen update. Aside from tired finishes and cabinets that have seen a full life, the original layout left the family living in a small portion of the kitchen and not taking advantage of the full square footage.
The family desired a design that married both the original architectural details of their bungalow with their preference for clean and modern European design. To accomplish this request, APD brought in sleek flat panel custom frameless cabinets filled with smart and strategic accessories to make the most out of every cabinet box, including full height pantry pull-out, spice and utensil pull-outs flanking the cooking zone, a blind corner pull-0ut to avoid loosing items in the hard-to-reach space, trash & recycling pull-0ut disguised to blend with the adjacent three drawers, and a wall cabinet pull-out sized to fit under the support beam spanning the width of the room. For the traditional - we kept the classic moldings around the windows and doors, continued the homes hardwood floors into the new space, incorporated classic school house light fixtures, and swapped out the slider to the back patio in favor for one with divided lights adding to the architectural detail. Matte black granite countertops with handmade black ceramic tile backsplash bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional thanks to their clean lines, high contrast color palette, and textural and artistic details.
Opting for a few adjustments to the layout created a space plan that took advantage of the full square footage of the room! In the original layout, the refrigerator was squeezed onto the same wall as the cooking, leaving very little counterspace around the hard working cooking zone along with a significant portion of the room (a previous addition) under-utilized. Relocating the refrigerator increased counterspace and storage while creating a “flow” through the entire room.
Luxury Miele and Subzero appliances make this kitchen a chef’s dream! To add to the clean modern look, we opted for an induction cooktop with wall oven directly below … a great alternative to the often used range! Paneling the built-in refrigerator and dishwasher help to calm the overall visual noise of the space, hiding the two hardworking appliances away!
This new family kitchen is at once hardworking, sleek, and timeless!

Mudrooms can have style, too! The mudroom may be one of the most used spaces in your home, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. A stylish, practical mudroom can keep your house in order and still blend with the rest of your home. This homeowner's existing mudroom was not utilizing the area to its fullest. The open shelves and bench seat were constantly cluttered and unorganized. The garage had a large underutilized area, which allowed us to expand the mudroom and create a large walk in closet that now stores all the day to day clutter, and keeps it out of sight behind these custom elegant barn doors. The mudroom now serves as a beautiful and stylish entrance from the garage, yet remains functional and durable with heated tile floors, wainscoting, coat hooks, and lots of shelving and storage in the closet.
Directly outside of the mudroom was a small hall closet that did not get used much. We turned the space into a coffee bar area with a lot of style! Custom dusty blue cabinets add some extra kitchen storage, and mirrored wall cabinets add some function for quick touch ups while heading out the door.

This small, dark outdated kitchen got turned into a spectacular kitchen that is now bigger, brighter and much more functioning. We opened-up the kitchen by removing a wall between the existing kitchen and the underutilized formal dining room. We then added a large island with some seating and more storage. The new cabinets were done in the Manhattan door style from the Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. The island was done in the color Shale while the rest of the kitchen was done in Snow. Next we installed a quartz countertop in Blanco, a Villa Heirloom Linen backsplash, recessed can lights, new lighting fixtures, and new flooring. To complete the new look we also installed floating shelves and a barn door from reclaimed wood.

✨ Backyard Transformation Complete in Langley! ✨
Another beautiful outdoor living space completed by Showcase Landscaping Inc.
This backyard was transformed from an underutilized space into a modern, low-maintenance outdoor retreat designed for entertaining, relaxing, and adding long-term value to the home.
Whether you're looking for a new patio, paving stone installation, retaining walls, artificial turf, or a complete backyard renovation, our team specializes in custom landscape design and construction throughout Langley and the Fraser Valley.
✅ Custom Landscape Design
✅ Paving Stone Patios & Walkways
✅ Retaining Walls
✅ Artificial Turf
✅ Outdoor Living Spaces
✅ Full Landscape Construction
Thinking about upgrading your backyard this summer? Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can transform your outdoor space.
? 778-242-5887
? www.showcaselandscapinginc.com
#LangleyLandscaping #LangleyBC #BackyardRenovation #LandscapeDesign #LandscapeConstruction #PavingStones #PatioDesign #OutdoorLiving #RetainingWalls #ArtificialTurf #LangleyContractor #FortLangley #WalnutGrove #Brookswood #FraserValleyLandscaping #LuxuryLandscaping #BackyardMakeover #ShowcaseLandscaping

This classic Portland bungalow in the highly desirable Irvington neighborhood was in desperate need of a kitchen update. Aside from tired finishes and cabinets that have seen a full life, the original layout left the family living in a small portion of the kitchen and not taking advantage of the full square footage.
The family desired a design that married both the original architectural details of their bungalow with their preference for clean and modern European design. To accomplish this request, APD brought in sleek flat panel custom frameless cabinets filled with smart and strategic accessories to make the most out of every cabinet box, including full height pantry pull-out, spice and utensil pull-outs flanking the cooking zone, a blind corner pull-0ut to avoid loosing items in the hard-to-reach space, trash & recycling pull-0ut disguised to blend with the adjacent three drawers, and a wall cabinet pull-out sized to fit under the support beam spanning the width of the room. For the traditional - we kept the classic moldings around the windows and doors, continued the homes hardwood floors into the new space, incorporated classic school house light fixtures, and swapped out the slider to the back patio in favor for one with divided lights adding to the architectural detail. Matte black granite countertops with handmade black ceramic tile backsplash bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional thanks to their clean lines, high contrast color palette, and textural and artistic details.
Opting for a few adjustments to the layout created a space plan that took advantage of the full square footage of the room! In the original layout, the refrigerator was squeezed onto the same wall as the cooking, leaving very little counterspace around the hard working cooking zone along with a significant portion of the room (a previous addition) under-utilized. Relocating the refrigerator increased counterspace and storage while creating a “flow” through the entire room.
Luxury Miele and Subzero appliances make this kitchen a chef’s dream! To add to the clean modern look, we opted for an induction cooktop with wall oven directly below … a great alternative to the often used range! Paneling the built-in refrigerator and dishwasher help to calm the overall visual noise of the space, hiding the two hardworking appliances away!
This new family kitchen is at once hardworking, sleek, and timeless!

This kitchen remodel in Schenectady is not just a makeover – it’s a storage revolution!! The clients came to us with one major request: maximize the storage possibilities! Project Manager, Anthony Mulligan, and Designer, Sarah McDonald, didn’t just enlarge the kitchen, they utilized every inch of space to create a storage paradise for our wonderful clients. First, we took down some walls and expanded into the underutilized office area making the living room, dining room and kitchen more of an open concept. Clever storage solutions like the tall pantry, built-ins surrounding the fridge and elegant floating shelves were incorporated so we could ensure that everything in the kitchen had its own place, making organizing a breeze. No more cluttered counters here! The spacious island is perfect for hosting large family gatherings and, of course, providing additional storage for all the kitchen essentials. What a storage powerhouse! No longer will the clients need to sacrifice style for practicality – we’ve achieved the perfect balance! Connect with us now to talk about your next remodeling project and let us show you what we have in store.

The homeowners of this Mukilteo residence partnered with H2D Architecture + Design to transform their underutilized rear deck into a highly functional outdoor living environment. The existing deck was refinished and reconfigured to create a more useable area for gathering, seamlessly extending the interior living space to the outdoors. A Struxure pergola was introduced to provide adjustable shade and light filtration, allowing the space to adapt to changing weather and seasons. Beyond the deck, the design steps down to a thoughtfully composed concrete paver patio anchored by a custom round wood hot tub, creating a warm and tactile focal point. Surrounding this feature, a built-in bench establishes a zone for relaxation and socializing, while a fire pit adds both ambiance and year-round usability. A custom screen wall was integrated to provide privacy and subtle enclosure without sacrificing openness, helping to define the space while maintaining visual connections to the landscape. The combination of multi-level seating, integrated elements, and carefully considered materials results in a cohesive outdoor retreat that supports a variety of uses.
+ Architecture + Design: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Builder: Bradley J. Rodgers Remodelling
+ Photography: Thomas Vincent

This basement remodel transforms an underutilized space into a functional, inviting extension of the home—designed for both everyday living and entertaining.
The open layout creates a seamless flow, with expansive living areas that feel bright and comfortable thanks to soft carpeting and a neutral palette. A custom built-in media wall anchors the space, while a textured stone feature wall adds depth and a high-end finish.
A fully equipped wet bar serves as a natural gathering point, complete with custom cabinetry, ample counter space, and statement pendant lighting. Throughout the basement, thoughtful details like integrated storage, clean architectural lines, and upgraded stair finishes elevate both form and function.
A hidden door discreetly built into the stone wall adds a unique, practical touch, while the finished bathroom features timeless fixtures and classic tilework.
The result is a basement that feels cohesive, elevated, and truly livable—designed to be used, not just finished.
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