Search results for "Underutilized" in Home Design Ideas

From unfinished and underutilized, to finished and a space for the entire family, this basement project was a true transformation. The basement is now seismic retrofitted, finished, and has reconfigured plumbing and ducting to allow for a more optimized floor plan.

A full laundry room remodel in this Kenwood home reimagined an underutilized space. To take full advantage of the already high ceilings, the laundry was switched to a stacked layout, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry was added around it. On the opposite side, a built-in desk and additional storage were tucked in. Slate flooring and gray sea-salt tile contrast with rich walnut cabinetry, resulting in a space that is both elevated and functional.

Living Room 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
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Library-Study created from a small room that was underutilized. Removed hearthstone after wood burning fireplace removed and added a ribbon inlay at hearth area. Installed bookcases and curated books, records and electronics. Use of existing furnishings with re-upholstered sofa, custom coffee table and a new chair that is on the way will be in left corner.

A detached office structure plus a large fully covered patio completely transforms a small yet still underutilized backyard space into a functional and lush oasis.
Xeriscaping with drought tolerant succulents create an ultra-low maintenance landscape that still feels teeming with life and excitement.
Earthen boulders, water features, fire pits, and windchimes shaped as birdhouses complete the family's request to incorporate the 4 Natural Elements into the design.

This project started as a kitchen remodel but evolved into a partial redesign and home refresh. Both interiors and exteriors were reimagined to update this traditional Spanish home into a transitional retreat.
The common area floorplan was redesigned to absorb the previously underutilized formal spaces into everyday areas. A large walk-in pantry was added while the kitchen flows from the family room to the dining area, with sightlines from the front and back of the home.
Architectural elements such as ceiling details and the central staircase were redesigned to fit the home's original character while still feeling updated. The bedrooms and bathrooms were revitalized upstairs with all-new finishes, making the entire home feel fresh and new.
An overall neutral color scheme means this home will remain timeless and continue to serve this family for years to come. Simple elegance defines this home. It's the perfect mix of subtle details, ornate craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance.

Client has a large bedroom with a lot of space that was underutilized, therefore we built the husband a closet system in the bedroom and the wife was able to reconfigure the walk-in closet for her own use.

This desk area replaced an under-utilized built-in buffet. Now paperwork has a proper home and there is a dedicated space for records and record-keeping.

Conversion of an under-utilized attic space to guest sleeping, bathing and office functions.
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Detroit
Inspiration for a craftsman bedroom remodel in Detroit

A detached office structure plus a large fully covered patio completely transforms a small yet still underutilized backyard space into a functional and lush oasis.
Xeriscaping with drought tolerant succulents create an ultra-low maintenance landscape that still feels teeming with life and excitement.
Earthen boulders, water features, fire pits, and windchimes shaped as birdhouses complete the family's request to incorporate the 4 Natural Elements into the design.

A remodel of the existing basement layout allowed for a separate media room and gave us the opportunity to create this neat little wine room under the stairs. Working with a local metal fabricator, we created custom wine holders to match the modern aesthetic of the home, turning an under-utilized space into a focal point of the home.

This formerly under-utilized corner provides convenient seating for party.
Family room - large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Philadelphia with a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace, a concealed tv and gray walls
Family room - large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Philadelphia with a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace, a concealed tv and gray walls

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River.
In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level.
To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too.
New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

Our clients approached us to renovate their home, as it was lacking function for their family’s changing needs. They were facing issues with insufficient storage, and underutilised areas.
The entry was cramped, which was especially noticeable when several people were coming in, or when carrying in groceries. The Shared Bathroom was too small, and lacked enough room for their teenage children to store their individual belongings. Additionally, since both clients work from home, a dedicated office space was essential.
On the Main Floor, we relocated the closet at the entry, making the entrance more spacious, and the Powder Room was given an update and new fixtures.
The wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room was removed, which opened up the Main Floor. Half of the space this created was used to create a much larger Kitchen with ample gathering space for our client’s large family. The new custom Kitchen boasts plenty of dark cabinetry with wood accents, and is complimented by a beautiful quartz countertop and matching black fixtures.
The other half of the newly created space was transformed into a quiet, functional home office. In the new office, a wall of built-in cabinetry offers useful storage for both work and hobby items, creating the perfect space for both work and crafting.
On the Second Floor, we expanded the Shared Bathroom by using space from the Guest Bedroom closet and the Second Floor Office. We replaced the bathtub shower combo with a spacious grand shower and added a large vanity and makeup area, giving each teenager their own dedicated personal storage space.
In the Master Ensuite, we altered the entryway location, allowing for a redesigned layout that includes a large vanity and double sink, enhancing both functionality and storage.
Our clients expressed their happiness with the renovation process with Sosna, specifically how clean the construction area was kept, and how respectful the Sosna team was of their home and neighbours. They were pleased that all deadlines were met, and the project was completed on time, and looked even better than they had dreamed.
Sosna Inc
416-888-7366 ext 1
email: contact@sosna.ca
website: sosna.ca

This low-budget kitchen remodel used the existing configuration of plumbing and gas lines, but made maximal use of a previously under-utilized space. A subway tile backsplash and butcher block counters were affordable ways to add character to a basic IKEA kitchen. Compact appliances and extra-tall cabinetry make use of every inch.

H&H, Amy Griffith of Broken Box Designs, and interior designer Vida Shore teamed up to transform a series of chopped up, under-utilized rooms into a open communal space. The team added a substantial beam in the ceiling and removed multiple walls to create a larger kitchen and more connected living space. This first floor remodel included the addition of custom pocket dog gates, a staircase remodel, kitchen remodel, and new built-in shelving.
Photos by Jeff Amram Photography.

These homeowners relocated to Indianapolis and wanted a traditional home in the Meridian Hills area that offered family living space off the kitchen. “It’s what we were used to, but we had trouble finding exactly what we were looking for.” They spent a lot of time thinking about the possibilities of a remodel. They had space both within and outside the house that were under-utilized and decided to embark on a significant renovation project.
We endeavored to completely rework the current floor plan in hopes of addressing all their needs and wants. Plans included relocating the kitchen, moving the exterior walls by a couple of feet, raising the ceiling, and moving the office. The results of these changes were dramatic. Additionally the family now enjoys a larger and updated entrance with storage and closets that is perfect for their two active daughters and two often muddy labs, a beautiful kitchen with improved functionality that is filled with tons of natural light, as well as a cozy hearth room, ideal for relaxing together as a family. The once neglected screened porch is now a unique and inviting office with workspace for everyone.
Once these improvements were made the view to the back of the house was now apparent, the couple decided to enhance their outdoor living space as well. We added a new patio, a custom pergola, water feature and a fire pit. “Now it’s a private spot to relax and connect with the outdoors. It really highlights the style of the house and we love it,” says the homeowner.

This North York home renovation was designed to perfectly suit a vibrant professional couple, their two active teenagers, and their pets, combining beauty and functionality to match their busy lifestyle. The home needed a functional overhaul, particularly in the kitchen, powder room, master ensuite, and underutilized basement. The clients, eager for an upgrade but short on time, entrusted the project to a team that prioritized communication, thoughtful design, and a seamless process.
The kitchen was completely reimagined with custom cabinetry, maximizing storage and accessibility. A redesigned island now allows access from all sides, improving flow for cooking and family gatherings. New countertops, contemporary flooring, and a balanced mix of crisp tiles and warm wall tones created a cohesive, inviting atmosphere. The master ensuite was transformed into a luxurious retreat with elegant stone-style tiles, an expanded glass-enclosed shower, and a striking tiled feature wall framing the bathtub, delivering both beauty and improved functionality.
To refresh the powder room and entryway on a budget, professional grout cleaning gave existing tiles a new life. Modern lighting and bright wallpaper added charm and energy, welcoming guests into the home. The basement, tailored for the teens and pets, became a cozy entertainment space, separated by subtle partitions for added privacy and comfort.
One notable challenge involved seamlessly transitioning between wood-look porcelain tiles in the kitchen and the existing hardwood floors—a task achieved through careful planning and execution, ensuring a flawless blend. A highlight of the project came when the client saw the near-final result and expressed amazement at the transformation, calling it a “WOW factor.”
The result is a home that perfectly balances style and practicality. The streamlined kitchen, spa-like ensuite, refreshed powder room, and tailored basement now enhance daily life and encourage quality time as a family. This project stands as a testament to thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, creating a space that reflects the family’s energy and personality while supporting their needs 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.

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.
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