Search results for "Unusable" in Home Design Ideas

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom.
- Jacqueline Southby Photography

This space was the unused upstairs of a barn. We transformed it into the most lovely Mahjong room for the client and her friendsl
Inspiration for a large eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor game room remodel in Dallas with beige walls
Inspiration for a large eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor game room remodel in Dallas with beige walls

After: Removed the large and unused garden tub and replaced it with a much larger walk in shower and a dressing area
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional bathroom idea in Nashville
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional bathroom idea in Nashville
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A fresh start created a connected space that makes sense in this Arlington (Shirlington), VA condo. The old kitchen was tired and outdated and felt cut off from the rest of the living area. The homeowner's collection of glassware and art was lost in the busyness.
While the footprint remained essentially the same, smart touches were added throughout to maximize the functionality and aesthetic. The manmade Quartz counter material continued up the walls for a stunning backsplash look. An enlarged cabinet above the refrigerator transformed that space from unused to functional. An LG double oven range was added to the space of a conventional range. Giant drawers in the peninsula make accessing sullies a breeze. On the back of the peninsula, a cabinet was added in previously wasted space.
The cabinetry is Durasupreme with a shaker door style. The lowers are a Lucious Cherry in Dark Stain and the uppers are painted a soft grey. The hardwood floors from the main living area are now carried into the kitchen. New Led slim profile lighting, including stunning geometric LED pendants brighten up the space.
The result is a bright kitchen that cohesively brings the living space together and highlights the homeowner’s collected art and glassware.

The existing deck fell victim to a very damp environment in a wooded area. It was in a state of disrepair and the wood had succumbed to rot in various places, making it unstable and unusable. The homeowner opted for Trex composite decking material with a pressure treated rail and stairs. The final product is moisture resistant, can be pressure washed and has a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty. The homeowner can rest assured that his backyard investment is well protected for years to come.

The landscape around this Mediterranean style home was transformed from barren and unusable to a warm and inviting outdoor space, cohesive with the existing architecture and aesthetic of the property. The front yard renovation included the construction of stucco landscape walls to create a front courtyard, with a dimensional cut flagstone patio with ground cover joints, a stucco fire pit, a "floating" composite bench, an urn converted into a recirculating water feature, landscape lighting, drought-tolerant planting, and Palomino gravel. Another stucco wall with a powder-coated steel gate was built at the entry to the backyard, connecting to a stucco column and steel fence along the property line. The backyard was developed into an outdoor living space with custom concrete flat work, dimensional cut flagstone pavers, a bocce ball court, horizontal board screening panels, and Mediterranean-style tile and stucco water feature, a second gas fire pit, capped seat walls, an outdoor shower screen, raised garden beds, a trash can enclosure, trellis, climate-appropriate plantings, low voltage lighting, mulch, and more!

This home renovation project transformed unused, unfinished spaces into vibrant living areas. Each exudes elegance and sophistication, offering personalized design for unforgettable family moments.
In this kitchen, classic white hues meet warm wood accents. A spacious island beckons with seating, complemented by a convenient coffee station. Ample storage and a functional layout ensure both style and practicality.
Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis.
For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/
To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/fishers-chic-family-home-renovation/

This Sparta family needed more room to spend time together, and an unfinished basement sat unused below them. Ridgewood Home Construction turned that empty space into a full extension of the home built for the whole family.
The finished basement included a bedroom, a full bathroom, a bright living area, and a kitchenette with custom Brighton cabinetry, quartz countertops, a tile backsplash, and island seating. A game room and built-in storage in the family room completed the living space, while custom trim gave the room a finished look throughout. For the family's younger kids, our team turned the space under the stairs into a dedicated craft nook, complete with a chalkboard wall for open-ended play. From framing to final trim, the result is a warm, functional retreat that gives every family member a reason to head downstairs.

This home renovation project transformed unused, unfinished spaces into vibrant living areas. Each exudes elegance and sophistication, offering personalized design for unforgettable family moments.
This bedroom boasts spacious bunk beds and a thoughtfully designed entertainment unit. The serene blue and white palette sets the tone for relaxation, while statement lights add a touch of contemporary elegance.
Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis.
For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/
To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/fishers-chic-family-home-renovation/

Everything in a small kitchen must serve double-duty. Here, cabinets and shelves perform more than just storing dishes. With proper styling, floating shelves or glass-front cabinets can easily be transformed into chic vignettes for treasures or a stack of cookbooks. A freestanding cabinet like an unused bookshelf can also be used to hold your kitchen essentials if storage space is really that limited.

This special property has a bluff setting above Lake Washington with incredible views. The original landscape was an unusable overgrown garden. Working with Allworth Design Terrain implemented a space that was ideal for entertaining and a space for the kids to kick balls. Every detail was thought through and the finished result reflects it. The custom built glass railing keeps the view intact and the family safe.

An unused living room became an office and sitting room, where the wife works and holds meetings. File cabinets and other office necessities hide behind crisp white cabinetry. Photo by Anice Hoachlander

This 36' x 36' horse barn in Winters, California has a full apartment on the second floor. The loft features a master suite, guest bedroom, guest bath, full kitchen, office nook and an open space for the family room and dining area. The decor is a combination of French Country and Shabby Chic, with just a hint of traditional. The warm colors and soft finishes make the space welcoming and comfortable. The entrance is on the lower level, where a reading room sits. Two of the unused horse stalls double as a home gym and storage pantry.
This structure is available from Barn Pros as an engineered building package. To learn more, send us a message through Houzz.

This challenging corner took a little creativity by USI. Notice the angles of the existing space and how USI optimized the space from this once un-usable space.
Behind this wall is the landing area for the stairs behind it. Since a cabinet was not feasible in this triangular space, USI incorporated floating shelves, as well as, different elevations along the entire wall, to create a feel that the design was very intentional.

This Medford, MA attic renovation turned unused attic space into a bright home office and creative workspace with sloped ceilings, skylight natural light, warm wood flooring, and a cozy sitting area. The finished attic design adds flexible bonus space for working, reading, and relaxing while maintaining the charm of the home’s upper level.

These Naperville IL clients called on Archadeck of Chicagoland to totally revamp their backyard. We tore down and replaced their virtually unusable wood deck with a low-maintenance deck and sunroom design. The sunroom features rustic cedar wall construction, sliding glass windows, and TimberTech solid board skirting with an opening for storage access below. The deck was constructed with TimberTech decking in Driftwood and low-maintenance Trex deck and stair railings.

Surprising what you can create from an overgrown unused space at the back of the house.
Home design - modern home design idea in Other
Home design - modern home design idea in Other

These lovely homeowners, in their late 60s and seasoned by life and travel, wanted a home that truly worked for their lifestyle. Their wish list was simple: comfort, functionality, and a space that felt welcoming for guests.
When Small Annoyances Become Big Dealbreakers
The main floor was no longer working. The kitchen was cramped, the wall between it and the dining room disrupted the flow, and two unused bedrooms wasted valuable space. Even the powder room was tucked away at the back. Upstairs, one shared bathroom, basement laundry, and a primary bedroom that overheated in the afternoon made daily life frustrating.
Facing Renovation Worries
The homeowners were excited but cautious. A previous renovation attempt with another company had fallen through, so trust was key. They also wanted to make sure their vision was achievable without stretching the budget.
The Transformation
Relocating the stairs completely opened up the main floor. The kitchen, dining, and living areas now flow together beautifully, creating a bright, open, and welcoming space.
Smart Details for Everyday Living
The new kitchen features a large island, ample storage, and a raised dishwasher at standing height for easy loading and unloading. We also moved the powder room to the front and added a coffee and bar station near the dining area, perfect for morning routines or entertaining guests.
Comfort and Flow Upstairs
Upstairs, the primary bedroom was moved to the cooler side of the house and now connects to a spacious walk-in closet and new ensuite. Compact laundry machines were installed upstairs, and the former primary bedroom was converted into a private guest suite with its own en-suite and walk-in closet.
Finishes That Feel Like Home
Beautiful, low-maintenance materials complete the space: custom cabinetry, leather-finish quartz countertops, engineered hardwood on the main floor, and refinished hardwood upstairs. Porcelain tiles, a new gas fireplace, and oak stairs tie everything together.
The Final Takeaway
Life at home has completely transformed. Cooking, entertaining, and everyday living are now effortless and enjoyable. Every space flows, every detail feels intentional, and the home finally fits their lifestyle.
Ready to Love Your Home Again?
If your house no longer suits your lifestyle, we can help. Let’s explore how a thoughtful renovation can make your home work for you.
Contact us today to get started.

This space was the unused upstairs of a barn. We transformed it into the most lovely Mahjong room for the client and her friendsl
Game room - eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor game room idea in Dallas with beige walls
Game room - eclectic open concept medium tone wood floor game room idea in Dallas with beige walls

Our homeowner’s kitchen felt stuck in the past with honey oak cabinets that were fading and dated. They were frustrated with limited functionality—especially having to keep their microwave on the counter, eating up valuable breakfast bar space. The cabinet above the refrigerator was practically unusable due to the door swing hitting the fridge hinge and its awkward reach.
We stepped in with a refacing/new cabinet hybrid solution designed to improve both style and function. We removed the old, impractical cabinets and replaced them with custom, more functional units, creating the perfect spot for a countertop microwave while freeing up workspace. The remaining cabinets were refaced in Surf SuperMatte, complete with new transitional shaker-style doors and drawers in the same Surf SuperMatte finish for a cohesive, modern look.
To complete the transformation, we replaced the old laminate countertops with stunning Calacatta Miraggio Seaglass Quartz paired with a matching full-height quartz backsplash, bringing a luxurious, seamless, and easy-to-clean surface throughout the kitchen.
We also added smart storage solutions, including rollouts and a blind swing-out accessory, making it easier than ever to access items without digging through cabinets.
Now, this kitchen is not only brighter and more beautiful but also perfectly tailored to the homeowner’s needs and daily life.
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