Party kitchen for the queen of entertaining. The twelve foot long island with induction cooktop provides space for visiting and presentation cooking. An unused alcove was turned into storage for dishes and glasses and made more fun with a mural.

This project is a great example of how small changes can have a huge impact on a space. ​ Our clients wanted to have a more functional dining and living areas while combining his modern and hers more traditional style. The goal was to bring the space into the 21st century aesthetically without breaking the bank. We first tackled the massive oak built-in fireplace surround in the dining area, by painting it a lighter color. We added built-in LED lights, hidden behind each shelf ledge, to provide soft accent lighting. By changing the color of the trim and walls, we lightened the whole space up. We turned a once unused space, adjacent to the living room into a much-needed library, accommodating an area for the electric piano. We added light modern sectional, an elegant coffee table, and a contemporary TV media unit in the living room. New dark wood floors, stylish accessories and yellow drapery add warmth to the space and complete the look. ​ The home is now ready for a grand party with champagne and live entertainment.

The upper level of his house had a large hallway and landing at the top of the stairs that was wasted space. We were able to use this space to improve the overall layout of the floorplan. Larger closets for both bedrooms and a full bathroom for the children were created from the unused area. Photo Credit: Whonsetler Photography

Andrew Mikhael of Andrew Mikhael Architect and Artistic Tile Design Associate Susan Jarblum collaborated on this beautiful new addition to a Milburn, NJ residence. The successful re-imagining of an unused side porch into a ground floor bath created the perfect canvas for the application of Artistic Tile's stunning Ferrara marble in a stylish Chevron. The marble runs across the floor and back wall of the shower while Quemere Liquid Glaze 3x6 handmade ceramic tiles wrap the walls and shower ceiling. What a beautiful project!

An over scaled family room with dark original shadow box paneling, large Carthage stone fireplace, and leaded windows, required a design esthetic that paid homage to the history of the home, yet created a space for entertaining large groups, while at the same time feeling warm and comfortable, and would also allow the homeowners to take Sunday naps in the often unused room. With the entry to the home also included in the overall dimensions, creating definition without walls was the challenge. Using an antique table that was purchased by the client many years ago as an entry table was the perfect answer. We took the Italian chandelier from the dining room, had it refinished to look old, and re-hung it as the entry fixture. An antique, nearly 18’ foot rug was found, and was the anchor to the room. Over scaled sofa’s, large cocktail truck, antique console tables, new “shiny” lamps, modern tables, and plush pillows all add to the warmth of this space. The room was also painted a warm gray/green to pull all the warm colors and textures together. Original artwork was also very important to the client, and represents their travels an individual taste. Photos by Randy Colwell

A new bathroom was designed using the same space, and allowing for a large curbless shower, two generous sink vanities and a large storage cabinet. An unused soaking tub was removed to make space for the new layout. One of the top priorities was to make this bathroom feel more open and bright. A bank of mirrored medicine cabinets above the sink vanity fills the wall, with wall sconces above, which along with can lights overhead and toe-kick lighting below ensure the room is well lit from every angle.

This old and outdated kitchen was transformed into an open, inviting, modern and functioning space that everyone wants to gather and hang out in. This was achieved by reconfiguring the space, eliminating walls and adding and incorporating the unused dining space. The new kitchen cabinets were done in the Manhattan door from the Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line in an Alabaster color while the island was done in a black tea color. We next installed a Cambria Quartz countertop in Carrick around the kitchen while the island was done in Minuet. To finish the new look we added a Ceramic white with marble veining backsplash around the kitchen, while around the hood they went with a gray glass backsplash. The two-toned cabinets topped with two beautiful different Cambria quartz and backsplash gave it the added sophistication.

This kitchen remodel is the definition of elevated everyday living, where clean lines, warm textures, and intentional function come together in a space designed to truly perform. The quartz countertops & full height backsplash give the entire kitchen a clean, luminous feel while providing durable, low-maintenance performance for real everyday living. A large statement island was created by expanding the kitchen footprint and eliminating the unused formal dining room. The island adds generous prep space, comfortable seating, and the perfect gathering spot for morning coffee or evening entertaining. Tucked seamlessly into the cabinetry is a hidden walk-in pantry with wet bar & storage galore, keeping the kitchen's visual lines beautifully uncluttered. And for effortless hosting, a dedicated beverage station- in the kitchen- featuring an ice maker and refrigerator creates a functional mini-hub for drinks, snacks, and celebrations. Modern. Functional. Timeless. This is more than a kitchen remodel, it’s a space designed to make daily life feel beautiful and effortless.

The existing kitchen layout created tight work aisles, minimal counter and storage space, and utilized only 62% of the overall available space, which was the impetus for the remodel. The clients’ wanted a modern farmhouse feel, but their overall focus was specific: “quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a well thought out and creative redesign for the spaces”. They also requested designated areas for baking, entertaining, and family meals, double ovens, better ventilation, island seating, a wet bar, and the addition of mudroom storage. Creating a design that not only fulfilled their wish list, but felt cohesive, and left as little “unused” space as possible, was the major challenge of this project. A large part of that challenge was not being able to change or eliminate any of the existing entryways and windows. This made the location of the island critical, as it needed to leave clearances for work aisles, seating, and walkways. The island seating is provided by a Wenge “Flying W” top that cantilevers out from its corner and is supported by recessed steel supports and waterfall ends, adding interest and dimension to the large rectangular space. Proper ventilation was achieved, along with creating a focal point, by moving the cooktop to the exterior wall and designing a custom wood hood above, that is ducted directly outside. Adding bench seating from the base cabinets to the East wall, created the connection the space needed. Opposite of the bench seats, the wet bar is also connected to the East wall, and is easily accessible from the dining room, kitchen table, and island. To create the modern farmhouse aesthetic, a mix of white and seafoam painted cabinetry were accented with stained cherry interiors, trims, and shelves, which mimicked the cherry hardwoods in the adjacent rooms and staircases. Built-in cabinetry that matched the kitchen was added to the mudroom, which included a bench seat with vented shoe storage, hooks, and a tall cabinet with an outlet for their vacuum. The addition of a pop-up mixer lift, deep storage drawers, a microwave drawer, and a lower cabinet at the end of the island, with a soapstone top, and includes a stainless-steel baking drawer organizer, makes for the ultimate “baking center”. LED lights inside and under the wall cabinets provide task lighting at the quartzite countertops, as well as mood lighting when dimmed.

The master bedroom is a cozy space, capturing the character of the previous roofline with a rustic beam detail. A built in dog bed takes advantage of unused attic space and a new niche became the perfect spot to house the current reading list. Because of the age of the home, the design was about embracing the cottage feel of the home. This was done with modern windows that let in abundant natural light for their size and location. Supply chain issues significantly delayed the project when the windows took far longer than expected or planned, but they were absolutely worth the wait. They fit the aesthetic of the home, maximize natural light, and complement the eclectic vibe within the master suite. The space was further personalized with bold wallpaper that features an antique vibe. The chandelier was curated for the space to add interest and uniqueness to the room. Instead of a door, the opening to the closet gives a spatial feel to the suite and maximizes function and flow.

A basement addition of a bedroom and bathroom turns unused space into a cozy living area. The bedroom is designed for comfort with added light and safety features, while the bathroom includes modern fixtures and durable materials. Both spaces are functional, inviting, and blend seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

This secluded single-family home in Great Falls, had a beautiful backyard setting. The owners recently built a gorgeous pool and surround deck on the right side of the house in their backyard. They inherited a rundown deck off of the kitchen patio doors. Our team designed a two-story outdoor living addition which offers the family everything that they can hope for in outdoor living. Our massive plan required excavation to make the lower level patio both attractive and functional for all kinds of outdoor activity. We excavated down two feet to create a nine-foot high patio, cut concrete walls to add French doors from to dark and unused side of the basement bringing improved use for the basement. The entire back wall was covered with matching brick veneer to entire front and side elevations. The roof of this patio was covered with EPDM roofing rolls to make the lower patio stay dry and protected. Steps away from pool sun deck, this flagstone covered patio turned into a prime space for entertainment. The built-in middle bar equipped with under counter beverage fridge and beer tab to make gatherings more exciting. The side steps built in with matching solid stone threads offered access to driveway and the second floor covered porch. The second floor is finished with porcelain floor tiles, stain grade ceiling panels, wrought iron rails, decorative recessed panel columns, hanging gorgeous ceiling fans steps away from the kitchen. Just outside of this covered porch, there is a deck with the same tile floor facing the pool area offering a breath taking view. Carefully selection of soft toned wood looking plank porcelain tiles compliment the knotty soft grey stain ceiling panels making this project one that shines even on rainy days. The custom-made spiral rod iron staircase offers an elegant second set of steps so that the upper level deck can reach into backyard and pool deck.

The challenge was to creatively redesign a small, dated kitchen and family room into an open concept entertainment style kitchen with ample storage, a large island, and better preparation space. They also desired a mudroom with a drop station and closet, a powder room for guests, new hardwood flooring throughout the first floor, and a refinished staircase. The new design achieved all of this by the removal of structural walls and a closet, enlarging the living room entry, and pulling space from an unused dining room. The new design transformed the dated dysfunctional first floor into a dream-worthy entertainment space.

Before, the kitchen was clustered into one corner and wasted a lot of space. We re-arranged everything to create this more linear layout, creating significantly more storage and a much more functional layout. We removed all the travertine flooring throughout the entrance and in the kitchen and installed new porcelain tile flooring that matched the new color palette. As artists themselves, our clients brought in very creative, hand selected pieces and incorporated their love for flying by adding airplane elements into the design that you see throughout. For the cabinetry, they selected an espresso color for the perimeter that goes all the way to the 10' high ceilings along with marble quartz countertops. We incorporated lift up appliance garage systems, utensil pull outs, roll out shelving and pull out trash for ease of use and organization. The 12' island has grey painted cabinetry with tons of storage, seating and tying back in the espresso cabinetry with the legs and decorative island end cap along with "chicken feeder" pendants they created. The range wall is the biggest focal point with the accent tile our clients found that is meant to duplicate the look of vintage metal pressed ceilings, along with a gorgeous Italian range, pot filler and fun blue accent tile. When re-arranging the kitchen and removing walls, we added a custom stained French door that allows them to close off the other living areas on that side of the house. There was this unused space in that corner, that now became a fun coffee bar station with stained turquoise cabinetry, butcher block counter for added warmth and the fun accent tile backsplash our clients found. We white-washed the fireplace to have it blend more in with the new color palette and our clients re-incorporated their wood feature wall that was in a previous home and each piece was hand selected. Everything came together in such a fun, creative way that really shows their personality and character.

This client wanted to take their unused dining room and turn it into a useable and functional space. Consequently, GOODESIGN turned the space in to a moody lounge area.

This design centered around creating a usable space for the kids to practice sports in an otherwise sloped and unusable yard. We designed an Astroturf extension off the driveway which is supported by strong block to create the flat area. The entry to the backyard, also sloped and narrow now has large natural stone steppers, beautiful trees , shrubs and groundcover, leading to a new patio and seat wall with a bubbling fountain.

This fully renovated 90 year home is located in downtown Charlottesville. This home was in need of some care to bring it back to its former glory. We refinished original wooden floors which were in bad condition and repaired and restored the plasterwork throughout the whole house (real plaster, not drywall)! We upgraded & repaired electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and restored the functioning of all the original double hung windows & all the door hardware in the house. In the kitchen, we restored the countertop, reconfigured the existing cabinetry to allow for dishwasher installation and a new sink. We converted the dark, unused basement into a bright, white laundry room. In the family room, we installed a new mantel over the fireplace and fully restored the fireplace. We also channelled brick work to install a TV over the fireplace. After fully renovating the interior, we then installed new screen frames, painted the whole house, installed a porch swing, restored the front porch deck, and cleared trees that were leaning over the house so the new owners could fully enjoy living in this magnificent home.

Remodel Description: This project was a full remodel of an existing pool and backyard. It began with a classic rundown brick ribbon, salt finish concrete and mottled, chipping pool plaster. The original pool was in poor condition and the spa was unusable and in a awkward location. In my remodel design, I demolished the existing spa, enlarged the size and relocated it to a more convenient location near the master bedroom. My design also organized the existing retaining wall heights and layout, created new entertaining areas, as well as adding a new built-in barbecue and bar. Photograph Description: This is a photograph of the completed new spa area with our signature 'Hydro-massage' water feature. There is an elevated seat in the spa to sit on beneath the 'Hydro-massage' and have the water massage your neck, back and shoulders. The spa features our 'Tile Ledge' detail with precast coping. The walls are veneered with Arnold Stone (a natural stone product that is cut into veneer thickness). The wood trellis detail provides decoration and a place to mount the 'Hydro-massage. I repeat the trellis detail on the Champagne terrace above the pool. Photo: Wendy Harper Master Builder: Ken Palmer