Working in West Hartford we often find long and narrow living rooms in the town’s older homes. In this project we created a light and bright family room for our client’s young family on one side and used the other for extra storage and seating — including a game table! — making the most of a previously underutilized space.

Our clients have lived in their Tysons Corner-area home since the 1980s. A small kitchen fire was just the spark they needed to embark on a complete kitchen renovation. We relocated the double ovens and refrigerator on opposite walls near the dining room entrance. This allowed for more uninterrupted counter space, which they lacked in the original footprint. Additionally, we replaced an under-utilized closet with a floor-to-ceiling cabinet pantry. The rolling island offers flexibility -- additional storage and a large workspace for baking. The refinished oak hardwood floors are the perfect balance to the creamy painted cabinetry. Cambria quartz countertop, crackled glass backsplash, and oil rubbed bronze hardware complement the traditional design.

DJL Builders designed a mudroom between the kitchen and garage as well as a modest basement remodel with an entryway. The space for the mudroom was awkward and a catch-all for clutter. DJL Builders created a mudroom with custom cubbies with seating and a side closet to help bring order and extra storage to seasonal and everyday needs. The basement of the home was underutilized as well, so we came up with a simple, multipurpose design for entertaining and a media room. The addition of the egress door to the basement with its own private entrance gives easy access to the outside and offers a sense of privacy for when guests come to visit. C. J. South Photography

An underutilized space has been transformed into something beautiful yet function. As a family of three each child now has a basket for shoes while mom and dad can keep mail, keys, and the daily needs hidden! A stylish space to greet both family members and guests.

Designed in collaboration with Alison Hall Architect, this Summer 2023 outdoor living renovation transformed an underutilized backyard into a luxurious extension of the home. The project centered around the creation of a custom covered porch that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living. The renovated space features a spacious outdoor living area, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a beautiful fireplace, and an inviting patio designed for entertaining and relaxation. Every element was thoughtfully planned to maximize functionality while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The covered porch provides year-round usability, offering protection from the elements while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. Combined with the outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the space serves as a true outdoor retreat that enhances both the lifestyle and value of the home. The result is a timeless outdoor living environment where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design come together to create the perfect setting for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

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 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.

Basements have come a long way from being dark, underutilized spaces. This renovation transformed the lower level into a bright, functional extension of the home—complete with a built-in oven, wine fridge, and a comfortable space designed for entertaining and relaxing. Thoughtful design can make every square foot of your home work harder, and this basement is a great example of that. Movie nights just found their new home.

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.

Our homeowners have a love of all the bands and the music of days past, but they also share a love of new experiences and opportunities, which brings us to this amazing new open concept kitchen space we created for them in their home. This home had the traditional separate kitchen and dining room spaces which in most homes get underutilized. By joining both these spaces into one with the removal of a bearing wall separating the two, both space can now be used on a daily basis while giving the homeowner much more elbow room to entertain and prepare meals! We started with custom Benjamin Moore painted cabinetry and lovely quartz countertop surfaces. Luxury vinyl flooring was used throughout the main floor to add the softness and warmth of wood while maintaining an easy clean surface that does a great job of resisting wear in high traffic areas. A complimentary blue island really makes a statement, while the 3D textured backsplash really finishes things off nicely. Gold accents were also used to make things pop a little as well. The end result is really a beautiful transformation and one our homeowners will enjoy for many years to come!

To make way for a bar area and achieve the openness that the homeowners desired, the pantry was relocated to a previously underutilized closet. Andrea Rugg

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

Perectly balanced, this dramatic black and white bathroom is a stunner. Thoughtful design was top of mind for these clients as they approached the Renovisions team to help narrow down their choices and bring it to life. Finding balance while mixing darker, heavier black finishes and lighter, white finishes was the task at hand and the goal was to create a modern look with an industrial/rustic feel. The challenge on this project was incorporating all the desired elements and products in a tight spatial constraint of 9’ x 7.5’. The clients biggest concern in the old bathroom was inadequate storage, tired and under-utilized bathtub and they also needed an additional sink for their two daughters who often share this space. Renovisions recommended removing the wall between the shower and closet to gain additional floor space as you enter the bath, while providing wall space for the three towel bars. Collaborating with the clients and searching to find the right fixtures paid off nicely. This newly remodeled Renovision accommodated two rectangular sinks, a walk-in shower with hand-held shower, wall-mounted shower head and two soft spray body jets. The oil-rubbed bronze fixtures not only provided a luxurious spa experience, but also added warmth and softness to the vintage feel. The glass shower enclosure is trimmed in a matte black grid that boasts an industrial aesthetic with retro feel while delivering modernistic function. It’s unique in appearance while allowing the chic white subway and black and white diamond tile to peek through. The beautifully designed cabinetry in a matte black painted finish provides plenty of storage. This smart configuration included two banks of three drawers for toiletries and accessories, two towers with adjustable shelves for towels and two ‘garage’ doors for hair dryers. Another unique design detail to capture attention was the black and white curvy geometric floor tile which plays off the straight lines of the cabinets and square grids of the shower enclosure. The clients are thrilled with the results and their modern, high-contrast styled digs – a true customized relaxation sanctuary for the entire family.

This Shoreview basement remodel transforms an underutilized lower level into a multifunctional space designed for both recreation and everyday living. Clean lines, classic millwork, and a warm neutral palette create a cohesive foundation that feels bright, comfortable, and inviting. At the center of the design is a custom indoor putting green, tailored for a golf-loving family and seamlessly integrated into the overall layout. Adjacent to the recreation space, a dedicated home gym features mirrored walls and an open layout that supports daily fitness routines. Architectural details such as wainscoting, recessed niches, and custom trim add depth and character throughout, while layered lighting ensures the space feels well-lit and welcoming. Every element was carefully considered to balance function and style. The result is a lower level that extends the livability of the home—offering space to play, exercise, and unwind, all within a thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished environment.

4-time clients! This fun and funky kitchen remodel was designed using the original kitchen island and footprint while the rest of the kitchen was updated. The fridge was moved, and new upper and lower cabinets were designed for the space. The white-built-in unit sits in the original dining nook location which was under-utilized since we designed and built the hybrid timber sunroom years ago. Using the client's own style preferences as inspiration, we incorporated graphic motifs, colourful accents, and back circle themes throughout the space. With a focus on accessibility, care was taken to update storage options to allow for ease of use. Millwork and Carpentry - Scott Hamilton Woodworking Photography - Jesse Savage

This luxury bespoke wine cabinet was custom-made by Acorn for a residence in Sutton, Surrey. Our clients, who collect and enjoy fine wine, commissioned us to create a dedicated wine storage unit that combined exceptional functionality in an impressive statement piece. The resulting cabinet provides tailored storage and display in a stunning finish that coordinates with the interior décor style of the house. It is built-in to the bespoke floor to ceiling wall panelling we installed in the hallway. The wall panels cleverly conceal cupboard storage for clothing, footwear and other accessories. Creating hidden doors using wooden wall panels adds storage to the entrance hall while maintaining a beautifully, cohesive, streamlined look. Bespoke wine cabinet The distinctive tailormade wine cabinet features made to measure wine racks, horizontal bottle holders and shelving. The large doors are made of toughened glass sitting within a solid oak frame. While ensuring the wine bottles are stored in the correct position, the cabinet has turned an underutilised space into an eye-catching display feature in the entrance hall and when viewed from the dining table area. Integrated LED lighting adds ambience and highlights the collection. You can view more of our tailored lighting designs here. Oak room divider doors We also handcrafted a pair of coordinated minimalist oak partition doors that lead into the dining room area. Internal room divider doors are a superb way to create distinct spaces and separate rooms. The doors give our clients control over how they use their living space and can be opened to allow freedom of movement and create a sense of space or closed to provide privacy and a cosy atmosphere. The doors are designed to blend seamlessly into the cabinetry when opened giving the impression of there being no doors at all. Oak cabinetry with a graphite stain finish The oak cabinetry has been flawlessly finished with a graphite wood stain and satin lacquer, which gives the surface a premium and protective hardwearing finish. The grey stain allows the beauty of the wood’s natural grain to show through while also adding depth and character, creating a contemporary rustic aesthetic. The deep grey colour is an up to date neutral with a refined, high-end appearance; and this dark shade brings sophistication and drama to the entrance hall, while also making a stunning backdrop to the illuminated wine cabinet. Are you interested in a bespoke wine or drinks cabinet for your home in Surrey, Sussex or London? Thinking of repurposing an empty understairs area or adapting another part of a room to store and display your wine or drinks collection? Whether your requirements are grand or modest, we can create the perfect wine storage or drinks cabinet for your home in Surrey, Sussex or London. Please contact us for a free initial design consultation and no obligation quotation.

What a transformation! Originally, this master bath featured a large deck tub which was tucked in to the corner where the new wet area currently lies. The tub was walled in on practically all sides, and controlled too much of the baths underutilized square footage. By taking the tub out of the deck and relocating it against the far wall, we now could use the space in front of the tub for a large walk-in shower, creating a wet area. In addition, this move allowed us to use the space that had previously housed the small shower as a designated makeup counter.

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”

Dining Room in Old Paint Drive | Room Type: Entry / Game Room | Project Name: Old Paint Trail | Key Feature: A redesigned front entry game room that serves as a welcoming focal point immediately visible when entering the home. Challenge: The home featured beautiful desert views but felt dark and underutilized. The front space also needed a clear purpose while making a strong first impression since it is the first area seen upon entering the home. Solution: The space was lightened up and transformed into a functional game room that feels both visually inviting and practical for the family. The redesign created a beautiful focal area that enhances the home’s entry experience. Timeline: Completed in 2018