Search results for "Underutilized" in Home Design Ideas

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.

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 renovation focused on improving functionality, storage, and overall flow while creating a more refined and cohesive aesthetic throughout the primary bathroom, mudroom, laundry area, and powder room. The design introduces custom built-ins, enhanced organization, updated fixtures, and durable materials while replacing dated finishes with a cleaner, more contemporary look. The project also reimagines underutilized spaces to better support the homeowners’ daily routines.
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Complete your home by investing in a garage storage design that finally finishes off your much used but under-utilized garage / storage area.
Seen here in Windswept Bronze, this design will sure to be the envy of even the most discerning neighbors. Wall-to-wall tall cabinetry coupled with a perfectly proportioned work space make for a clean and efficient design. The integrated
"Wire-Wall" shelving system provides additional storage and keeps all the tools you use the most right at your fingertips.
A variety of counter and finish options are available and include stainless steel counters and fully encapsulated powder coated door & drawer face options with a smooth but rugged surface.
Call Today to schedule your free in home consultation, and be sure to ask about our monthly promotions.
Tailored Living® & Premier Garage® Grand Strand / Mount Pleasant
OFFICE: 843-957-3309
EMAIL: jsnash@tailoredliving.com
WEB: tailoredliving.com/myrtlebeach

This room was under-utilized with great potential to be used as a proper pool room serving the adjacent patio and swimming pool oasis. Converting the porch into a three-season room was accomplished by adding framing for 16 new windows, a new tile floor, and a steel and glass security door. Inside and out, we trimmed our work with custom PVC and flexible polyurethane moldings.

Beautiful Basement Remodel in Frederick, Maryland by Talon Construction
This recently completed basement remodel in Frederick, Maryland transformed an underutilized lower level into a beautiful, multi-functional living space designed for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living.
The homeowners wanted a basement that could accommodate gatherings with family and friends while also providing dedicated areas for fitness and recreation. The finished result is a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout that blends comfort, style, and versatility.
Custom Wet Bar & Entertainment Area
The centerpiece of the basement is a stunning custom wet bar featuring rich dark cabinetry, quartz countertops, and elegant brass fixtures. A spacious island with seating creates the perfect place to gather, while a beverage refrigerator keeps drinks easily accessible for entertaining.
Theater & Lounge Space
The main living area includes comfortable theater seating paired with a ceiling-mounted projector, creating a true home theater experience ideal for movie nights, watching sports, or hosting guests.
Long Quartz Bar with Additional Seating
A beautifully designed extended quartz bar overlooking the entertainment area provides additional seating, making it easy for guests to socialize while enjoying the open layout of the space.
Dedicated Home Gym
This basement also includes a private home gym area, giving the homeowners a convenient place to work out without leaving the comfort of their home. The dedicated fitness space allows for exercise equipment and creates a motivating environment for staying active year-round.
Warm Finishes & Durable Materials
Wide-plank flooring, recessed lighting, and neutral tones create a warm and inviting atmosphere while providing durability and easy maintenance.
A Basement Designed for Modern Living
By combining a custom bar, home theater, lounge seating, and a dedicated workout room, this Frederick basement remodel now serves as the ultimate entertainment and lifestyle space for the entire family.
At Talon Construction, we specialize in designing and building basement renovations that feel like a natural extension of your home—beautiful, functional, and built to last.
If you're considering a basement remodel in the Frederick area, our design-build team is ready to help bring your vision to life.

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

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.

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.

Saturday June 27, 4:00 to 5:30pm | Manhattan
Pool Farm by David Seiter of Future Green Studio
High above Midtown Manhattan, this transformed rooftop pool is now a farm-to-table restaurant, the Press Lounge, offering guests a dazzling view of the New York City skyline. From the 19th floor of Ink Hotel, a beautifully designed edible garden is meticulously cared for to create seasonal food and drink options from ingredients grown onsite. Utilizing themes of material reuse and urban infill, this custom design and fabricated system of wood terraced planters transforms an underutilized rooftop pool into a dynamic private dining experience. The project is inspired by the structure of a sushi mat- with flexibility in one direction and rigidity in the other, the mat rolls fluidly from deck to bench to planter to wall. In an effort to make the project sustainable and cost effective, ipe wood decking was salvaged from a recent renovation and repurposed. The planting palette was selected in consultation with the restaurant’s chef, professional forager and a rooftop farmer in order to orchestrate the edible garden with unique seasonal food and drink menus. A small slice of paradise has been found in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo by Christophe Jammet

A former bedroom was sacrificed for the stair hall. The space was given a vaulted ceiling. Windows face south.
Art niches were added next to the stair (for the original owner, but are underutilized by the owners now).

Our latest kitchen remodel was at the home of one of our favorite previous clients. This incredible transformation started with Project Manager, Jason Watson, and Designer, Justina Auer, meeting with the client to discuss her dream of a bigger, more functional kitchen that would be the perfect space for cooking, baking and entertaining friends and family. We started by knocking down a wall between the original kitchen and an underutilized area which welcomed in an abundance of space and light. We moved the layout around allowing the kitchen to expand. Double ovens surrounded by pantry-like storage and extra counter space were constructed in the old kitchen’s footprint while the extra space in the new kitchen lent itself perfectly to an expansive island for seating, storage and prep space. In keeping with the eclectic farmhouse charm, we couldn’t resist an impeccable farmhouse sink set in a two-tone cabinet palette further enriched by the soft white canvas of the Cambria quartz countertops with deep blue and gray veins. As an added touch, curved valances were placed at the base of the cabinets hinting at the appearance of restored furniture. The weary original pine floors were lovingly restored to their former glory. The result of all this? A kitchen that’s not only functional, but also a dream come true ready for many more years of cherished memories to be had.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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