Search results for "Underutilized" in Home Design Ideas

This small, dark outdated kitchen got turned into a spectacular kitchen that is now bigger, brighter and much more functioning.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.

Our Client decided to renovate and expand her home after living in it for close to 35 years. She had previously worked with John Crawley AIA to remodel her kitchen and dining areas and was ready to undertake the rest of the house. We loved John Crawley's approach of selectively lifting the ceilings and flooding the common areas with light and let this inform our design approach throughout. The addition of the new library and library bath was intended to open up the house to both the interior and the exterior, while maintaining a seamless connection to previous work. The original 1970's house had an outdated master suite with a vanity area outside the tiny bathroom and adjacent tiny closet. Our Client was ready to overhaul the space annexing an adjacent underutilized bedroom for a generous master bath and open it to the beautiful backyard hillside with a private patio. The remainder of the house was given a variety of touches and updates including new windows, bathroom countertops and millwork and new colors throughout. Finally, a brise soleil was added to the front of the house.

This 1928 kitchen was closed off and had underutilized storage potential. We opened up the entrance to the kitchen and reconfigured and extended the cabinetry the whole length of the kitchen to add much needed storage and work space. The natural wood cabinetry at the beverage station brings warmth to the space and contrasts the grey painted cabinets beautifully.
Photo Credit: Pete Eckert
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This thoughtfully designed space captures the charm of farmhouse living while embracing clean, modern lines. Warm wood flooring and natural finishes create an inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for a home that feels both relaxed and refined.
The staircase serves as a classic architectural centerpiece, featuring crisp white balusters paired with rich wood accents — a timeless farmhouse signature. Soft neutral walls enhance brightness and openness, allowing the textures and materials to take center stage.
A custom-built wine nook tucked beneath the stairs transforms an often-underutilized area into a functional design feature. The combination of natural wood cabinetry, open bottle storage, and sleek hardware blends rustic warmth with contemporary elegance.
Black-framed glass doors introduce contrast and a subtle industrial edge, balancing the softness of the farmhouse palette. The result is a seamless fusion of cozy and sophisticated — where practicality meets elevated design.
Designed for both beauty and everyday living, this modern farmhouse entryway proves that even transitional spaces can become standout elements of the home.

This Delta home has a complete facelift, removing a dated and under-utilized porch from the front of the home in order to build a two bedroom suite for extended family dwelling. Photography: Paul Grdina

This garage conversion in La Crescenta transformed an underutilized space into a stylish and highly functional laundry room combined with a playroom. The goal was to create a practical, organized area that feels modern, durable, and welcoming for everyday use.
Cambria quartz countertops were selected for their durability and sleek finish—ideal for a high-use laundry space. Rich dark blue cabinetry adds depth and character, while black fixtures and dark gold hardware introduce a balanced, contemporary contrast.
The light gray epoxy flooring provides a seamless, durable surface that resists wear and stains, making it perfect for both laundry tasks and children’s activities. A modular storage system was installed to maximize organization and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment.
Through close collaboration with the homeowner, this garage remodel was thoughtfully designed to combine functionality, style, and flexibility creating a versatile space that serves the family’s daily needs.

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 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 primary ensuite transformation converted an underutilized home office into a serene, nature-inspired retreat. Drawing inspiration from the lush forests surrounding the home and the homeowners’ travels through Central American rainforests, the design creates a seamless connection between indoors and out.
A reimagined layout, abundant natural light, and direct access to an outdoor hot tub enhance the spa-like experience. Custom Curly Maple vanities and beam wraps, handcrafted by the homeowner and a master cabinet maker, pair beautifully with striking Rainforest Green marble, green herringbone tile, pebble mosaics, and raw cement sinks. The result is a warm, immersive sanctuary that celebrates craftsmanship, natural materials, and a deep connection to place.

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.

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 custom kitchenette and laundry room transformation blends modern luxury with timeless functionality. Designed with warm light wood cabinetry, sleek flat-panel doors, and stunning full-height porcelain slab surfaces with soft veining, this space feels bright, elegant, and highly functional. The integrated floating shelf, under-cabinet LED lighting, and seamless countertop create a clean contemporary aesthetic while maximizing storage and workspace.
The custom workstation sink, minimalist faucet, and floor-to-ceiling slab backsplash bring a high-end designer feel to this compact space. Every detail was carefully planned to turn an underutilized area into a stylish and efficient kitchenette/laundry room perfect for modern living.
Designed & built by Sharon Stone Design Build in Silicon Valley, specializing in luxury custom remodeling, space planning, modern cabinetry, and high-end interior transformations.

Photo by Jim Raycroft
When these homeowners first came to us in 2011, they had a list of major projects to adapt their Victorian home to the needs of their growing family. The first phase of work was a basement renovation to provide informal hang out space. The second was a garage. Finally they turned their attention to the master bedroom and bathroom.
FROM BALCONY TO BATHROOM
At one end of the suite was a cramped and outdated bathroom. At the other end was an underutilized, high-maintenance, exterior balcony. A leaky door to the balcony, as well as inadequate insulation and air-sealing and a poorly designed heating system, made the bedroom difficult to keep comfortable in the winter.
We chose to capture the old balcony as indoor space and relocate the bathroom to that end of the master suite. This strategy not only gave us the opportunity to install much better insulation and good, tight windows, it created enough new floor area that we were able to include a large walk-in shower, separate vanities, a toilet room, and a make-up counter in the new master bathroom.
ADAPTING AND UPDATING
The project allowed us to find a prominent place for an old leaded glass window sash that the homeowners had been hanging onto for several years in anticipation of this project.
The flow and layout of the master suite are now much better suited to a 21st century lifestyle. But best of all (to us, anyway), the homeowners report that the bathroom—where the old balcony had been—is now the most comfortable room in the house.

This garage conversion in La Crescenta transformed an underutilized space into a stylish and highly functional laundry room combined with a playroom. The goal was to create a practical, organized area that feels modern, durable, and welcoming for everyday use.
Cambria quartz countertops were selected for their durability and sleek finish—ideal for a high-use laundry space. Rich dark blue cabinetry adds depth and character, while black fixtures and dark gold hardware introduce a balanced, contemporary contrast.
The light gray epoxy flooring provides a seamless, durable surface that resists wear and stains, making it perfect for both laundry tasks and children’s activities. A modular storage system was installed to maximize organization and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment.
Through close collaboration with the homeowner, this garage remodel was thoughtfully designed to combine functionality, style, and flexibility creating a versatile space that serves the family’s daily needs.

For this project the house itself and the garage are the only original features on the property. In the front yard we created massive curb appeal by adding a new brick driveway, framed by lighted brick columns, with an offset parking space. A brick retaining wall and walkway lead visitors to the front door, while a low brick wall and crisp white pergola enhance a previous underutilized patio. Landscaping, sod, and lighting frame the house without distracting from its character.
In the back yard the driveway leads to an updated garage which received a new brick floor and air conditioning. The back of the house changed drastically with the seamless addition of a covered patio framed on one side by a trellis with inset stained glass opposite a brick fireplace. The live-edge cypress mantel provides the perfect place for decor. The travertine patio steps down to a rectangular pool, which features a swim jet and linear glass waterline tile. Again, the space includes all new landscaping, sod, and lighting to extend enjoyment of the space after dusk.
Photo by Craig O'Neal

This finished basement renovation in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania was designed to transform an underutilized lower level into a spacious and highly functional living area for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday family use. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Delaware County basement remodel creates a bright, open layout that adds significant livable square footage while maintaining a clean and timeless design.
The newly finished basement features a large open entertainment space anchored by custom built-in cabinetry and shelving surrounding a wall-mounted media center. This built-in storage solution keeps the space organized while creating a natural focal point for movie nights, sports viewing, and family gatherings.
Throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank flooring was selected for its durability, warmth, and moisture resistance—an ideal flooring solution for finished basement spaces. The neutral wood tones help brighten the lower level while complementing the clean white trim, columns, and millwork used throughout the design.
A custom basement wet bar with blue cabinetry adds both style and function to the entertainment area. The bar includes quartz countertops, glass-front beverage refrigerators, a bar sink, and floating wood shelves that provide additional storage and display space. This feature makes the basement perfect for hosting guests, game days, or casual family gatherings.
Recessed LED lighting was installed across the entire ceiling to ensure the basement feels bright and inviting despite being below grade. Multiple zones were created within the open floor plan to accommodate a variety of uses, including a lounge area, entertainment space, and additional flexible living areas.
The finished result is a modern, fully finished basement that feels like a natural extension of the home’s main living areas, providing a comfortable space for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living.
This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a basement finishing and remodeling contractor serving Newtown Square, Delaware County, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and the greater Philadelphia Main Line area.

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

The vanity with seated makeup area was kept at the counter height to keep clean lines so a custom counter stool designed to coordinate with the bench seat.
A large bath felt crowded and underutilized the space available. By removing a large framed in tub and replacing it with a stunning freestanding tub with a wall mounted tub filler we freed up floor space both physically and visually. Stained wood vanities with beaded top drawers anchor the room.
custom made medicine cabinet mirrors keep tooth brushes and other items off the countertops.

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.
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